Project Overview

Society has been suffering from a lack of morality. Developments tend to target those who are well off, should we not focus on those that need help before those that do not? ‘A Happy Medium’ is a project revolved around helping vulnerable citizens that suffer from societal neglect.

Ex-prisoners on probation find it near impossible to reintegrate back into society after a prison sentence, as they lack access to housing and assistance, are targeted, marginalized and stigmatized by society, and quite often lack purpose. Low income retirees struggle to find comfortable living spaces for their retirement. many have very little income, no access to family, and have a loss of independence. Both of these demographics have shared problems caused by their mutually exclusive issues; leading to a significantly reduced quality of life. I believe that this odd dynamic can thrive within a mixed living arrangement, where occupants’ strengths and weaknesses create a complementary environment that is beneficial on both behalves.

‘A Happy Medium’ will be a community space that hosts its own community of diverse individuals, whilst encouraging openness to the broader, surrounding community. With this in mind however, prospect and refuge plays a heavy role in this design, as it is an important factor for both demographics to receive both socialization and privacy. A range of timber battens rise up the building’s shell to create a privacy screen that allows for visual surveillance outside, whilst hindering a neighbour’s view into residents’ private spaces.

This concept may be viewed as being too far fetched or simply unviable, however it is this line of diverse thinking that leads to a better change within our society. 'A Happy Medium' for absolutely everyone.