Bridges @ 11th Avenue: Innovative Affordable Workforce Housing

Bridges @ 11th Avenue: Innovative Model of Affordable Workforce Housing

Bridges @ 11th Avenue is an affordable workforce housing project designed by the GGLO architectural studio, specifically for the employees of Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, and their families. This project is a new model of affordable housing that aims to provide a comfortable living space for the workforce and their loved ones. The three-building complex is designed to support and enliven the pedestrian environment at street and alley level with on-grade housing, live-work space, community uses, retail, and a bike club.

Revitalizing the Pedestrian Environment

The design of Bridges @ 11th Avenue focuses on revitalizing the pedestrian environment by creating a space that encourages interaction between residents and with the outdoors. The edges of the three buildings are designed to support and enliven the pedestrian environment at street and alley level. This includes on-grade housing, live-work space, community uses, retail, and a bike club. The circulation path throughout all three buildings is designed to provide connectivity and build community among the residents. The green rooftop sky trail connects the three buildings via connector bridge art elements, a nod to Seattle's physical linkages across bodies of water.

Encouraging Active Transportation

The design of Bridges @ 11th Avenue is aligned with Seattle Children's and the University of Washington's values. The project is specifically oriented to support opportunities for residents to walk, bike, or use public transportation. This reflects the growing trend towards active transportation, which promotes the use of non-motorized modes of transportation such as walking, biking, and public transit. By encouraging active transportation, Bridges @ 11th Avenue aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and promote healthy living.

Building Community and Connectivity

One of the primary goals of Bridges @ 11th Avenue is to provide a comfortable living space for the workforce and their loved ones. To achieve this, the project is designed to build community and connectivity among the residents. The circulation path throughout all three buildings is designed to encourage interaction between residents and with the outdoors. This includes community spaces such as a bike club, retail spaces, and live-work spaces. The green rooftop sky trail connects the three buildings via connector bridge art elements, providing a unique and fun way for residents to connect with each other and the outdoors.

In conclusion, Bridges @ 11th Avenue is an innovative model of affordable workforce housing that aims to provide a comfortable living space for the employees of Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, and their families. The project is designed to support and enliven the pedestrian environment at street and alley level with on-grade housing, live-work space, community uses, retail, and a bike club. The project is also designed to encourage active transportation, build community and connectivity, and promote healthy living. Bridges @ 11th Avenue is a shining example of how architecture can be used to create a better world for all.

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