layers and levels
Layers and Levels was designed with the urban understanding and awareness gained from the study and analysis of its location in Mobile, AL. The design steps in to combat the urban decay of the industrial city. The mixed-use building was a feature to bring residents and jobs into a revitalized Central Business District. The project focuses on integrating retail and residential space into the urban fabric of the city.
Layers and Levels employs a finger scheme to create solid blocks separated by voids of air and light. The building holds the street edge on three sides with ground floor retail and dissolves on the north side into stepping terraces. The terraces serve as programmed green roofs, which are wrapped by the glass curtain wall on the north facade. The second level terraces are pulled away from the building to allow natural light to reach the parking level on the ground floor. Segments of the southern facade are removed or depressed to create depth and variety along the length of the block. The corridors and stair towers are given priority against the facade to illuminate the circulation.