The US Constitution begins with “We the People.” This powerful statement serves as our north star, guiding all subsequent actions towards achieving our society’s common good. In the modern era, it compels us to seek carbon-positive responses to environmental challenges. Despite this, we have fallen short, allowing ourselves to be divided by deepening economic disparities. The severe lack of affordable housing illustrates this division. Achieving both the common good and environmental stewardship requires a common ground. To address this need, “We the People” aims to establish a new Social Infrastructure, providing a platform for shared progress.
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Gold 🏆 Winner
Global Future Design Awards 2024
We the People
Sustainable Architecture (Concept)
Firm
AECOM
Architect/Designer
AECOM
Design Team
Francis Cooke, Jason Vollen, Bryant Stanton, Jennifer Gottlieb, Maria Aiolova, Calum Thompson, Xiaofei Shen, Aman Singhvi, Nick Novelli, Rushita Vora
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Country
United States
Photographer/Copyright
©AECOM
Building on this foundation, the Social Infrastructure we envision is both transit-enabled and carbon-positive. Unlike traditional transit-oriented developments, our innovative approach harnesses latent energy sources found within transit systems and broader infrastructure. Although this approach involves higher initial costs, it promises significantly reduced operational costs and carbon debt over time. Additionally, implementing rent control and pass-through ownership models will further extend the project’s life cycle, making it a sustainable investment in the community’s future.
To illustrate our vision, we have selected a mixed-income, mixed-use housing project in Philadelphia as a case study for this Social Infrastructure. Strategically located at the Chinatown station, a subway line runs directly through the site, integrating seamlessly with our development plans. The project encompasses 528,000 square feet of space divided among retail, office, school, and residential areas, with 345,000 square feet dedicated to housing. This includes 400 diverse residential units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, complemented by shared amenities like kitchens, daycare facilities, maker spaces, and roof gardens. This layout not only maximizes space but also promotes vibrant community interactions and social cohesion, ensuring a balanced mix of 50% market-rate and 50% affordable housing units.
Addressing social dynamics, our project challenges the traditional design of multifamily residential buildings, which often hinders positive social interactions through their narrow, double-loaded corridors. Instead, we propose a single-loaded courtyard configuration that allows for varying levels of engagement, as dictated by the residents themselves. This design not only encourages interactions across multiple proximities but also supports Jane Jacobs’ concept of “Eyes on the Street,” enhancing both community engagement and safety. By alternating between market-rate and affordable units side by side, we promote a radical de-segregation of income groups, fostering an inclusive community environment.
Finally, our commitment to reducing operational carbon is evident in our energy strategy. We utilize on-site resources such as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels with battery storage and deployable solar sails that generate power while also moderating microclimates around rooftops and circulation areas. Moreover, we exploit municipal wastewater networks as underutilized energy assets. This “sewer thermal” system uses the heat from underground mains for efficient energy transfer, proving far more effective than traditional heating methods. Such innovations not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance the resiliency of the infrastructure against utility disruptions, paving the way for future integration with potential municipal geothermal systems.
In conclusion, “We the People” is more than just a project; it is a pioneering model for future developments, integrating psychological, social, economic, and environmental considerations. By tapping into new sources of latent energy and fostering a deeply integrated community, we strive to fulfill the implicit promise of our constitution.