Sanctuary Grid

Add To Collection

Sanctuary Grid

Firm

Jiafeng Li, Sixuan Chen, Zihe Ye, Jiaying Qu, Jingyu Zhang

Type

Residential › Multi Unit Housing

STATUS

Concept

SIZE

100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft

BUDGET

Undisclosed

Sanctuary Grid redefines the concept of “room” across scales, from the urban context to architectural elements, furniture, and the human body. Located in the South Bronx, NY, this project addresses the critical need for internalized, protected open spaces for childcare and community well-being in a dense urban environment. By reclaiming interstitial spaces on the site, the project transforms unused or overlooked areas into meaningful communal spaces, offering them back to the neighborhood.

Through a dual strategy of carving in and aggregating out, Sanctuary Grid balances contrasting architectural and social needs: difference and consistency, diversity and efficiency, variation and repetition. At an urban scale, carving creates open-air “rooms” for various activities, from community gatherings to smaller courtyards for intimate conversations. At a micro-scale, essential spaces for daily life are reimagined—from foyers and shared rooms to individual units—prioritizing flexibility and the spectrum of living experiences, from solo occupancy to co-living.

The project employs prefabricated, modular concrete façade units for efficiency and sustainability. Reflective materials at key thresholds bring dynamic imagery from the surrounding sidewalks into the protected courtyards, creating a sense of continuity and connection. These materials balance safety with openness by establishing visual connections between the inner courtyards and the public realm.

Through innovative massing, circulation design, and modular material usage, Sanctuary Grid unlocks the heart of the residential block, transforming it into a safe and vibrant urban sanctuary. By addressing both spatial and social needs, the project establishes a grid of protection and connection for the children and families of the South Bronx.