The purpose of this overlay is to provide the proper mechanics which allows a new type of home ownership while addressing current urban... Show moreThe purpose of this overlay is to provide the proper mechanics which allows a new type of home ownership while addressing current urban vacancy. The overlay attempts to be democratic. It establishes basic rules based on the existing block requirements, while also providing flexibility within. Residents voluntarily participate in the system, benefiting from the whole. Social interactions, block orientated activities, and housing arrangements expand and contract over time. Sponsorship: Goodman, David Show less
MONUMENTAL ADAPTATION: REIMAGINING THE OLD CHICAGO POST OFFICE Built in 1932, the Old Chicago Main Post Office was the largest post office in... Show moreMONUMENTAL ADAPTATION: REIMAGINING THE OLD CHICAGO POST OFFICE Built in 1932, the Old Chicago Main Post Office was the largest post office in the world at three million square feet. It was designed to accommodate the extension of Congress Parkway and in 1953 the Eisenhower Expressway cut a void through the center of the building. Finally the Post Office was vacated in 1997 and remains unused to this day. This project proposes the adaptation of the Post Office into a hybrid fieldhouse that contains public recreation and retail space. This proposal keeps the Post Office public, utilizing income generated through retail to maintain the building for Chicagoans. Recreation program is inserted into voids carved out of the original building. Retail occupies the peripheral space, surrounding the voids. Show less