OAK ST TOWNHOMES SITE DESIGN 
Fall 2022

For a visualization and design course, I used SketchUp to reimagine a vacant lot in the Near North Side neighborhood of Chicago as a new townhome development. Inspiration for the design of the units came from a remarkably playful and artistic residential property located on N Talman Ave, Chicago, which was designed by ZED Architects. This home struck me particularly well-suited to a townhome adaptation due to its narrow profile and unique, two-story front window, which allows for natural light to permeate the building.

To facilitate community-building among residents, I designed the townhomes to face inward onto a central courtyard and patio, where neighbors can host gatherings in a semi-enclosed outdoor space. This orientation also allows for all vehicle infrastructure to be pushed to the perimeter of the site, increasing safety for pets and children and protecting a sense of calm within the development. Site location -- immediately adjacent to Walter Payton College Preparatory High School -- was also taken into consideration with the addition of a publicly accessible park and all-ages playground on the Oak St side of the lot.