URBAN SHOP
Zachary Colbert and Egbert Chu

At the center of this new urban community dynamic is the urban farm. Our proposal emphasizes the importance of sustainable local food production as a response to both:

A) current problems in urban consumption and distribution practices, and
B) the appeal of healthful living in the minds of a growing population of savvy consumers and citizens.

We propose an aggressive development of two typical urban blocks (~100,000 S.F.), generating the density of residents and businesses required for economic feasibility. Apart from local conditions influencing things such as building configuration, the project is relevant to most urban environments and can be exported to many places. The urban farm is realized within a diverse set of programs that focus on smart consumption. The program relationships support each other in relation to a triple bottom line concept of sustainability: the project is balanced socially, environmentally, and financially. Community neighbors, local merchants, live-work-vendors, market-rate and affordable unit residents, and agricultural specialists are woven together into an economic fabric that innovatively promotes sustainable urban living. From green building materials, to community engagement and education, to diversity of user groups, our proposal re-imagines the potential of enjoying life in this new, dynamic, and robust urban typology.

Jury's Title: Walkable building