In the 1960s, TV’s intergenerational family of the “Beverly
Hillbillies” moved in together under one roof, propelled by the striking of
highly-valued oil. In the 1990s,
“Everybody Loves Raymond” imagined a different extended network, with Ray and
his parents living across the street from one another. 1300 years earlier, Anasazi “Cliff Dwellers”
effectively used topography to negotiate a variety of spatial and social
relationships, forming cohesive and productive communities. These seemingly incongruent situations merge
into one aspiration for our project: a
response that is formed of its unique constraints and sustaining to new intergenerational
potentials.
Our 27 unit proposal minimizes the building footprint, expanding
communal opportunities for the hillside site adjacent to an Audubon reserve. The
site’s preexisting terraced condition allows accessory units (for care-givers
or guests) to flexibly connect either horizontally (fully accessible) or
vertically to primary units and parking.
This promotes independent yet cohesive living.
We propose vertical axis wind turbines, generating 40% of
the project’s annual energy consumption. ”Windspires” are elegantly designed, bird-friendly,
and relatively affordable. Bird feeders
are located below the turbines, connecting the activities to the AudubonPark.
Much like The Beverly Hillbillies, “Bahia HillBuildies”
recognizes productive capacity of oil within the landscape: olive oil that is,
lucrative, renewable gourmet gold. By
planting the remaining land with olive trees, a cottage industry might be
created that could be supported by senior housing residents. 1000 trees could be planted, capable of
producing two tons of gourmet olive oil annually. The grove becomes a shared resource that in
its care, maintenance, and profit, binds together its neighbors.