Honors Thesis Project   |   Phoenix, AZ

Spring 2016

This Honors Thesis project introduces a new typology for future Phoenix development by connecting disparate landscapes to form a cohesive and ecologically viable urban fabric which increases the well-being of people and natural systems through community activation, increased biodiversity, and ecological awareness. Increased social living through micro-housing in a biophilic setting will strengthen personal and ecological well-being. The implementation of biophilic microdwelling communities also begin to transform the city by strategically inserting key vegetation with residential units. These critical plant species, along with new, recycled water sources, will attract animals which will themselves  transmogrify the greater urban area.

Through an analysis of Downtown systems, maps of connected and disconnected resources revealed latent water sources in air conditioning condensation and unused space in parking garages. The opportunity for integration of human and animal habitat in these under-used spaces determined the location of the intervention.