The idea and research behind the thesis project I am working to complete for MArch in Spring 2009.

1. BACKFILL:
Sarah Diericx
a project in fulfilment of the MArch
requirements at
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Arijit Sen
chair
Christine Scott Thomson
committee member
Don Hanlon
committee member
1

2. 2

3. introduction
BACKFILL:
a mke alley transformation
3

4. BACKFILL: “Density is most appropriate in areas
that are already developed—those that
T
have jobs and services within walking
his project proposes a transformation distance or that are accessible by transit”
to a Milwaukee urban neighborhood (Campoli, 26). The site was chosen as a
by adding density via developing a typical but already utilized alley, so as the
previously ignored area—the alley. By thought process could act as a catalyst
bringing a pedestrian scale street life, for development throughout the city.
including housing/rental units, office This area of Milwaukee is within walking
spaces, public and private gardens, etc., distance of UWM. Many students and
into the former purely utilitarian alley, professors make the trip by foot or bicycle
the neighborhood will become more each day. This site is located near the
walkable and interactive. With the city-wide bike trail and the Milwaukee
foreseen exponential population growth, County Transit System (MCTS) Bus. The
cities will have to grow inward in order #15 bus is less than two blocks from
to save precious land and resources. the site, and it provides easy access to
Developing the alley will add a second Bayshore and Downtown, where it can
layer of street life, a neighborhood within link to a bus anywhere in Milwaukee.
the neighborhood. The new population Many services exist on that same bus
body will be utilizing interstitial space and line, including: grocery, pharmacy,
can be plugged into an already existing movie rental, laundry, etc. Though the
grid. There is a lot of useful space wasted bus provides a transportation option,
by typical structures we use for garages the Milwaukee system is not the most
and storage. The alley will become a reliable. The schedule isn’t prompt and
lively social space by developing these harsh Wisconsin winters make for bus
derelict garages into structures that will stop waits to be very inconvenient since
4
house new residents and activities. most do not provide shelter. The UWM

5. campus also encourages car sharing. cars and pedestrians, the “in-between” life within each block. This method adds
Currently, UW-Milwaukee is a participant zones that are neither public nor private, density on an as needed basis, as opposed
in the Zipcar car-sharing program. This and the cultural landscape that the to the many condo buildings sitting empty
program makes it simple to check out a alley forms. Utilitarian lifelines still must in other areas of Milwaukee.
car for the day to run your errands, go to exist within the new public realm. The
business meetings, or any other trip that necessary services such as parking and The densest cities in the United States
cannot be made on bicycle or via public trash removal cannot go away or be are also, not by coincidence, the cities
transportation. Users can log on via the moved elsewhere. A challenge exists to with the best public transportation
internet and check out a car, find the combine them in a graceful way with the systems and the ones that appear most
car in its reserved parking space, swipe new public, social functions of the alley. frequently on the United States Green
their ID badge, it unlocks and off they Building Council’s (USGBC) green city lists.
go. To return the car they simply park it Developing the alley will demonstrate the Dwellers of dense cities also use fewer
and lock it with their ID badge. With the importance of utilizing everyday spaces resources. Adding density at a smaller
introduction of more people in the area, we usually ignore or deem unsightly as scale, the alley, is less daunting and can
the program could potentially expand to our population grows and we seek to reap similar benefits. The alleys around
provide for the area. preserve our resources. Concentrating UWM are already used by pedestrians as a
growth to the center of the city by filling in short cut while getting to the bus system,
Dense living is most fruitful when it is interstitial spaces combats urban sprawl school or work. The development of this
designed well and cared for (Campoli). and saves on resources like land and fuel. alley will increase density in an area that
By blurring the boundaries between front Making these spaces pedestrian and can not only support it, but benefit from
and back, the proposed interventions will bicycle friendly will encourage people to it.
infuse a sense of pride and street life to consume less and interact more. Adding
the alley, making it a place where users ancillary units to the back of properties
will maintain the area as if it were their provides a method by which to add density
front yard. These interventions will also to the city without changing the urban
address the coexistence of utilitarian and fabric that people are comfortable with.
5
social functions, the relationship between It will also create another layer of street

6. 6

7. site investigation
BACKFILL:
context + demographics
7

8. SITE CRITERIA: CAMBRIDGE HEIGHTS DEMOGRAPHICS:
NEIGHBORHOOD:
When picking a site for this project I The site chosen is located four blocks CITY:
West of The University of Wisconsin- Population: 573,358
developed a set of standards the site
Milwaukee campus. It is situated one Median Age: 30.52
must meet. This should be in a typical
block east of the Milwaukee River and Avg Income: $47,438
Milwaukee neighborhood that is close
to public transportation, a job market, several blocks west of Lake Michigan.
and commerce. NEIGHBORHOOD:
This is a working class neighborhood. Population: 33,839
Sixty-six percent of the neighborhood Median Age: 27.1
was built before 1940. When UWM was Avg Income: $40,788
established in 1956 this neighborhood Minority: 13%
did not grow to accommodate a greater Density: 9,540 people/sq. mi.
population. Some of the houses have
been adapted into two story flats for HOUSEHOLDS: 15,634
student rental units, but the urban
fabric remains the same. This could be 39%-Famlies: 6,115
due to individual ownership or zoning
regulations. 61%-Non Fam: 9,518
20%-w/ Kids: 3,125
8

9. Unive
Wiscon rsity of
sin-Milw
aukee
SITE LOCATION:
t
d Busin ess Distric
Shorewoo
Oa
kla
nd
Av
e
Cambridge
Woods Park
#15 bus
e to Downtown MKE
Av
rd
rtf
o 9
Ha Milwaukee
Bike Path

10. PROXIMITY TO AMENITIES: WALKABLE DISTANCES:
This map shows the necessary This map illustrates the general rule of
neighborhood amenities such as: 1/4 mile walking distances. Each amenity
grocery stores, bars, coffee shops, is denoted by a circle with a 1/4 mile
restaurants, parks, medical facilities, radius. Each circle that intersects with
schools and places of worship. A thriving the site is filled in with color, noting the
neighborhood should be close to all of walkable amenities.
these amenities.
10

11. Grocery
Bar
Coffee Shop
Dining
Parks
Hospital
School
Church
11

12. TRANSPORTATION:
This site is located near the city-wide bike
trail and the Milwaukee County Transit
System (MCTS) Bus. These methods of
transportation connect you to the city and
beyond. These methods are, however,
seasonal, since most bus stops do not
provide shelter. Also, there is much room for
improvement in the MCTS Bus system.
Currently, UW-Milwaukee is a participant in
the Zipcar car-sharing program. This program
makes it simple to check out a car for the
day to run your errands, go to business
meetings, or any other trip that cannot be
made on bicycle or via public transportation.
Users can log on via the internet and check
out a car, find the car in its reserved parking
space, swipe their ID badge, it unlocks and
off they go. To return the car they simply
park it and lock it with their ID badge.
Future plans for Milwaukee include a light
rail system, which will more effectively
and conveniently allow users to use public
transportation.
12

13. LEVELS OF CONTROL:
This site has a diverse set of owners
and users. For changes to be made,
levels of control must be considered.
These exist at the city level (for alley
pavement, lights, trash pickup, etc), the
homeowner level (for yard maintenance
and construction), and the renter (who
occupies and uses the site).
OWNER OCCUPIED
RENTAL
13

14. FIGURE GROUND:
14

15. FIGURE GROUND:
15

16. IMMEDIATE CONTEXT:
16

17. panoramic images of
North Bartlett St. 17

18. STREET LIFE:
Single Family- 2 story residence Single Family- 3 story residence Multi- Family- 3
-Entry denoted with roof plane. -Entry denoted with roof plane. -Two entries.
-Porch as privacy barrier. -Porch as privacy barrier. -Porch as privacy barrier.
-3rd story single aperture. -2nd story porch acts as anot
-3rd story single aperture.
18

19. 3 story residence Multi- Family- condo building
THIRD STORY attic space, usually used for storage
instead of living. denoted by different
aperture method and change of
materials.
SECOND STORY main living area, family rooms and
bedrooms. in the case of multi-family
unit it is a completely separate unit.
GROUND FLOOR fully residential living space. porch
serves as a privacy buffer between the
home and the street.
-Two entries.
-Half story stairs as privacy barrier.
other layer of street life + interaction. -Small 2nd story porch puts eyes on street.
-3Differnt roof line.
19

20. INBETWEEN LIFE:
Three types of outdoor activities happen The interventions in this project increase
between buildings and, specifically, in all of these uses. Bringing additional
this alley. living and conditions to the back side
of the house will increase necessary
1. NECESSARY ACTIVITIES: activities. Optional and social activities
going to school/work, trash, parking will be increased through the addition of
social and public spaces.
2. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
taking a walk, enjoying life, relaxing,
recreation
3. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:
depend on presence of public space,
conversations, gardens, balconies etc.
(Gehl)
20

21. PORCH APPROACH PED. PATH CANOPY BARRIER STREET
a visually public, a zone between also known as the a non-physical a natural line the most public
but private zone the pedestrian path sidewalk, this is spatial boundary that separates realm where
between inside and the porch that the public realm, that is created automobile traffic travel speed is
and out denotes acts as a filtering yet it is under the by the roof line. from pedestrian higher and visual
the entry. device between surveillance of the and the underside traffic. It also privacy is low.
public and private inhabitants of the of the trees. It defines a change 21
private. differentiates the in speed between
scale between the the two.
street and sidewalk

22. 22

23. 23

24. CONDITION VARIATIONS:
24

25. 25

26. 26

27. 27

28. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
existing garbage conditions
28

29. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
existing parking conditions
29

30. 30

31. precedents
BACKFILL:
comparative works
31

32. SMART GROWTH:
Smart Growth is an urban design Portland, Oregon is a good example of
strategy that combats urban sprawl. Its a city that is practicing the principles of Milwaukee could benefit from smart
major agenda is to concentrate growth smart growth. The City of Portland has growth. Adding density to interstitial
in the center of the city and set limits drawn a physical line that urban sprawl spaces would increase the population to
for outward sprawl. This idea advocates cannot cross. As a result they have support things like better transit systems
dense, transit dependent, pedestrian one of the most user friendly public while maintaining the urban fabric that
and bicycle friendly developments. transportation systems including buses, people are comfortable with.
In order for this idea to work, the light rail, and street cars. Portland is also
developments must possess a unique well known for being very bicycle and
sense of community and place. There pedestrian friendly.
must be a wide range of employment -source: www. travelportland.com
and housing choices.
32

33. CHINATOWN ALEY:
This painting by CP Nelson, 1896,
shows San Francisco’s Chinatown alleys.
Pedestrians utilized the space as passage
ways, and residents built garden and
patio units onto their homes.
Fig 6
Chinatown Alley
33

34. MVRDV: WOZOCO:
“The Netherlands is reputed to have This project addresses the ideas of
This particular project is in reaction to
the highest average population density adding density to a restricted space,
the huge density increases the Nether-
in the world though it is increasingly which is directly related to this project
lands are undergoing. These increases
becoming distributed in low density
are threatening the surrounding green
suburban areas threatening to transform
spaces.
the country into a sort of city state. The
architects’ bureau MVRDV and students
“To still provide adequate sunlight into
at Delft University have sought to
the surrounding only 87 of the 100 units
remedy this situation by proposing areas
could be realized within the block. Where
of ultra-density inserted into pastoral
could the remaining 13 dwellings be
landscapes.”
positioned? If they were put elsewhere
-SOURCE: www.mvrdv.nl
on the site, the open space would be
further reduced” (www.mvrdv.nl).
Although Milwaukee is nowhere as
MVRDV cantilevered the remainder of
dense as the Netherlands, many of the
the units from the north facade.
issues MVRDV discuss and address in
their designs are relevant to this thesis.
Density is a recurring theme within
MVRDV’s works and this project proposes
bringing a more dense condition to an
existing urban environment.
34 Fig 1.1

35. Fig 1.12
Fig 1.3
Land restrictions are avoided my
cleverly cantilevering extra spaces
off of the building.
35

36. DIDDEN VILLAGE:
Rotterdam, The Netherlands 2007
This project is a rooftop house extension.
A separate living quarter is placed atop
an existing house. They are positioned
to appear as a separate “mini-
neighborhood” apart from the original.
The creation of a supplemental
neighborhood or street life is something
this thesis hopes to achieve. Rooftop life,
here, can be compared to alley life.
The blue coating is meant to give the
appearance of a “new heaven”. Perhaps
a universal materiality can denote a new
street in the alley project.
Fig 2.1
materiality calls out difference
between previously existing and
new development.
36

37. Fig 2.2
Rooftop: a usually ignored space,
built on to increase neighborhood
density.
Fig 2.3
view from inside
37

38. MOSHE SAFDIE: HABITAT ‘67:
This building provides its dense
While a student at McGill University Though on a much larger scale, this
population with pedestrian streets,
in the beginning of the 1960’s Moshe project addresses a solution for a dense
terraces, large plazas, and a sense of
Safdie developed an urban and three- population. It provides functional
place.
dimensional housing concept rallying pedestrian streets, which is something
the “single family dwelling” in an my thesis will focus on.
- 15 models varying between 1 and 8 cubes
adaptable form to density. - Views on 3 sides and landscaped terraces
-SOURCE: www.habitat67.com - Areas from 624 to 5000 sq ft, displayed
over 1,2,3 or 4 floors
- Private terraces from 225 to 1000 sq ft
- Possibility to add a solarium
- 6 elevators
- Sidewalks at various levels giving access
to residences
- Central heating and air conditioning
- Excellent soundproofing.
Fig 3.1
Levels of terraces and
pedestrian pathways
create layers of
interaction.
38

39. Fig 3.2
A high level of density in
a very small area.
39

40. PATTERNS OF DENSITY: STACK ‘EM + PACK ‘EM GREEN INFASTRUCTURE
Visualizing Density, by Julie Campoli and Mass-Produced Architecture can be A connection to the natural environment
Alex MacLean, discusses the different oppressive. Also, when the majority is important in pedestrian-scaled places.
patterns in which density occurs. The of the lot size is occupied by building it These buildings were laid out around
following are specific patterns I found creates a sense of crowding. a network of shared and private green
relevant to this thesis, either as a means spaces.
to mimic their ideas, or things to avoid.
Fig 4.1
Las Vegas Development
Fig 4.2 (Far Right)
Camden, New Jersey
40

41. CANOPY: PRIVACY: GRANNY FLATS:
The book states that “Establishing a Privacy can be achieved in more creative “One simple way to add density to a
canopy of large trees is the single most ways than just fencing each lot. By using neighborhood is to build accessory units
effective way to improve the physical adjacent buildings and vegetation as in the back of the lots or above garages...
quality of a neighborhood street.” permanent or temporary screens, more Although it retains the character of a
Although the top picture seems boring interest is created. single-family neighborhood, most lots
and monotonous, as time goes on the have two units rather than one.”
canopy will grow and that feeling will
diminish.
Fig 4.3 Fig 4.5
Longview Washington Longmont, Colorado
Fig 4.4
Longmont, Colorado
41

42. SANTIAGO CIRUGEDA: URBAN REFUGE:
URBAN PRESCRIPTOINS
“One of his strategies, Urban Refuge,
is to use temporary licenses to create Located in Seville, Spain, this
more permanent installations-- project addresses the idea of filling
for instance obtaining a permit to in the interstitial spaces to add
erect scaffolding to do repairs or density. Though the city prohibited
maintenance and then occupying the construction in this area, the architect
new structure as an addition to the obtained a permit to erect scaffolding
building.” for maintenance and then built a
-SOURCE: Flexible Architecture [104] habitable space into the scaffold.
This process reminded me of growth
in India [see right]
Fig 5
Urban Refuge
42

43. INDIAN STREET
CONDITION:
India has been adapting to increas-
ing density for centuries. During India
Studio with Professor Manu Sobti in
the spring 2008 semester, we discussed
how the city evolved outward as a se-
ries of thick edges. It was easy to legally
build an addition to a building if it was
a closet. Since closet was never defined
specifically, in India you will frequently
see rooms cantilevered off the old
building structures.
43

44. STEFAN EBERSTADT: RUCKSACK HOUSE:
“Rucksack House is a walk-in
sculpture with its own spatial quality. Since this house is a prototypical
A hovering illuminated space that piece that is meant to be added to
looks like a cross between temporary a found space, adding density, it
scaffolding and minimal sculpture. As directly relates to this thesis project
mobile as a rucksack, this mini-house using the found space of the alley to
is intended to be an additional room add density.
that can be suspended from the
Fig 7.1-7.3
façade of any residential building.” Rucksack House in Context
-SOURCE: www.convertiblecity.de
44

45. LOT-EK: GUZMAN HOUSE:
Again, this house uses found space as
its site. Developing these found, ignored
and in between spaces is the basis of
this thesis argument.
Fig 8.1
Guzman House Atop City
Buildings.
Fig 8.2
Guzman House
G
45

46. THE PEARL:
A district of Portland. Oregon, this area
The way Portland’s transportation
has had much growth over the past
and pedestrian life functions is a huge
decade. Visualizing Density cites this area
inspiration for this project. Milwaukee
as a great model for density well done. It
has great potential to be not only
has grown inward and not outward.
bicycle friendly, but have a greet quality
to pedestrian street life. By adding
“The Pearl was created with a vision of
more density in undeveloped/ignored
it becoming a pedestrian environment.
areas, there is an opportunity for
The Pearl is laid out on an easy grid of
public transportation to grow and be
numbered streets running north to south
sustained.
and named streets are in alphabetical
order and run east to west. The Portland
Streetcar connects the RiverPlace area
and the Nob Hill business district.
Portland is the most bicycle friendly
town in America. Bike racks, bike lanes,
and bike safety are all top priorities in
the City and in the Pearl District.”
-SOURCE:www.explorethepearl.com
46

47. Fig 9.1 [top left]
Overlap zones: between residential
living and sidewalk.
Fig 9.2 [top right]
Interactive pedestrian paths.
Creation of an interesting
pedestrian scaled path creates
interest and sense of place.
Fig 9.3 [left]
Public Transportation and
overlap zone.
47

48. ALLEY TRANSFORMATIONS:
Endangered Landscapes: Residential
Alley Transformations by Michael Martin
discusses they alley, its decline, and the
cultural story it tells. Alleys are used as
purely functional spaces, and therefore
are unintentional cultural story tellers.
“One of the inherent adaptability
of the alley is to suit any number of
contemporary needs, which will always
be an archaic alley’s fateful virtue”
(Martin).
Fig 10.1
Typical Alley Situation
48

49. ALLEY TRANSFORMATIONS:
“An alley is both the back side and the
inside of the neighborhood” (Martin).
The alley does not need only to be a
place where service necessities are
met, but can also be a strong pedestrian
core.
This article looks at the different
conditions that currently exist in city’s
alleys. It suggests that alleys are capable
of much adaptation, and should evolve
for the future needs of the inhabitants.
These concepts can be applied as the
population of the alley increases and its
functions must transform from being a
back side to a front side.
Fig 10.2
Typical Alley Meets
Multifunctional Alley.
Fig 10.3 [far right]
Lived in Alley
49

50. CHICAGO: GREEN ALLEY HANDBOOK:
Addressed Categories:
The city of Chicago has more alleys than
-Stormwater Management
any other city in the world. The city also
- Heat Reduction
has a plan to become the greenest city
- Material Recycling
in America, included in this is a set of
- Energy Conservation and Glare
designs for its alleys.
Reduction
50

51. Fig 11
Before and After incorporation
of green alley principles,
Chicago.
51

52. ALLEY DRAINAGE: PERMEABLE PAVEMENT:
Following are some of the principles The way water is shed, stored and Will be incorporated in this project.
included in Chicago’s Green Alley handled is should be considered.
Handbook. These are principles that will
be incorporated in this project.
Fig’s 12.
Green Alley Handbook
Illustrations
52

53. HIGH ALBEDO PAVEMENT: DARK SKY LIGHTS: RAIN COLLECTION:
Reflects heat instead of absorbing it, Reduces light pollution and glare. Less Will be incorporated into my design,
this will make for a more comfortable glare is important for facial recognition shown here as a rain barrel or a rain
pedestrian environment. and other safety issues. garden.
53

54. EIGHTYSEVEN GARDEN HUT:
ARCHITECTS:
This small building responds to seasonal
The Garden Hut is one of Eightyseven changes, the walls slide and fold to open
Architects’ more modest projects. It is up during the summer months and
built in Crilles, Spain from renewable close off during the winter months. It
resources, hardwood, rusted metal and has a sculptural character and is a small
glass. building type suited for an alley.
Fig 13
Garden Hut
54

55. PATKAU LA PETITE MAISON DU
ARCHITECTS: WEEKEND:
“La Petite Maison du Weekend is The idea of minimal dwelling is
a prototype self-sufficient minimal something that this alley project will
dwelling. It can be relocated to virtually address. Adding density to such a small
any outdoor site, where it will provide space will require its inhabitants to live in
the basics for everyday life: sleeping for a smaller space. Also, sustainable ideals
two, kitchen, shower, and composting about generating its own electricity
toilet. Made of a variety of materials and rainwater distribution will be
and premanufactured components, it addressed.
generates its own electricity, collects
and distributes rainwater, and composts
human waste using only the natural
dynamics of the site.
The project was constructed in 1998 for
the Fabrications Exhibition at the Wexner
Center for the Arts, in Columbus, Ohio”
-SOURCE:www.patkau.ca
Fig 14
Weekend House, Flexible
Architecture
55

56. MH COOPERATIVE: SUMMER CONTAINER:
This project is part of a series of A functional, minimal housing unit--
experimental projects. They argue that when the unit is folded up it is only 9’-
such small projects are required to carry 3”- 6’-6”! This unit is derived by ideas of
theoretical weight. minimal housing which were started by
CIAM in 1929.
Fig 15
Summer Container illustrates
how the built environment can
adapt over the course of the day
or season.
56

57. ROCIO ROMERO: FISH CAMP:
Another minimal living precedent. Fish
camp is a weekend home for a fisherman.
The interior has the capability to be
configured as a living space, kitchenette,
or bedroom. This kind of flexibility is
something this thesis will achieve for the
potential tenants of these small units.
Fig 16
Fish Camp Exterior and Interior
57

58. 58

59. program
BACKFILL:
site development + usage
59

60. 60

61. PROGRAM: B. INTERVENTION TYPES C. Considerations
1.Housing: Adds density to neighborhood. 1. Uses through day
A. Starting Point: Site Evaluation Creates neighborhood inside existing 2. Seasonal Adaptation
neighborhood. 3. Site position and relationships
1. 41 Garages a. RENTAL UNIT 4. Maintaining service functions
2. 20,000 TOTAL SF b. MOTHER IN-LAW UNIT (i.e. parking/trash)
3. Average: 450 SF each 5. Materiality
2. Work: Reduces resources and time
spent on travel. Brings user life to alley
“street”
a. HOME OFFICE
b. ARTIST STUDIO
3. Commerce: Creates a more public/
pedestrian realm.
a. STOREFRONT
b. SERVICE
4. Entertainment
a. CLUB HOUSE
b. COMMUNITY FACILITY
5. Storage: Function that needs to coexist
with interventions.
a. CAR STORAGE
b. LAWN STORAGE
6. Services: Vital function that needs to
coexist with development.
61

62. HOUSING: A. RENTAL UNIT (1-2 stories)
Adding additional housing units behind 1. Square Footage: Average Studio
existing one is a simple way to increase Apartment 300-600 sf
density and keep the original character of 2. Spaces/Components
the neighborhood street. It also creates A. LIVING ROOM
another neighborhood street, the alley. B. BEDROOM
This method creates a new neighborhood C. OFFICE
inside existing neighborhood. -murphy bed/futon
-entertainment/media
-desk -dining table
-wardrobe -washer/dryer?
D. BATHROOM
-sink -toilet
-shower
E. KITCHENETTE
-fridge -stove
-sink -cupboards
F. STORAGE
-bike -clothing
-misc.
3. Spatial Attributes Fig 17.1
a. front side toward alley 450 sf studio apartment.
b. bicycle storage
c. studio- “one room living”
4. Exterior Condition
a. solar array
b. water collection
c. daylighting
62

63. B. MOTHER IN-LAW UNIT
(1-2 stories)
1. Square Footage: 600 sf
2. Spaces/Components
A. LIVING ROOM
-seating -entertainment
-desk -washer/dryer?
B. BEDROOM
-bed -wardrobe
C. DINING
-table/seating
D. BATHROOM
-sink -toilet
-shower/tub
E. KITCHEN
-fridge -stove
-sink -cupboards
F. STORAGE
-bike -car? Fig 17.2
-lawn -misc. 530 sf garage w/ 500 sf
apartment above
3. Spatial Attributes
a. back side toward alley
b. “outdoor room” mutual yard
space w/ house
c. living/dining convertible for
entertaining
4. Exterior Condition
a. solar array
b. water collection
c. daylighting 63

64. WORK: A. HOME OFFICE (1-2 stories)
1. Square Footage: 450 sf
B. ARTIST STUDIO (1-2 stories)
1. Square Footage: 350 sf
Adding workspace to the alley reduces 2. Spaces/Components 2. Spaces/Components
resources and time spent on travel. A. OFFICE A. INTERIOR WORKSPACE
Brings user life to alley “street” -desk -seating -seating -work surface
-waiting area -pin-up space
D. BATHROOM B. BATHROOM
-sink -toilet -sink -toilet
E. KITCHENETTE F. STORAGE
-fridge -stove -supplies -printing
-sink -cupboards facilities?
F. STORAGE 3. Spatial Attributes
-files -media station? a. front side toward alley
3. Spatial Attributes b. high ceilings
a. front side toward alley c. lighting- work + spot
b. consider night time uses d. potential for storefront
c. outdoor waiting area area or gallery display.
d. parking space? (operable walls)
e. escape from home chaos- e. outdoor room- exterior work
visual barrier? space?
4. Exterior Condition 4. Exterior Condition
a. solar array a. solar array
b. water collection b. water collection
c. daylighting c. daylighting
d. signage? d. rooftop access?
e. consider interaction with
home
64

65. COMMERCE: A. STOREFRONT (1 story)
1. Square Footage: 400 sf
B. SERVICE (1-2 stories)
1. Square Footage: 450 sf
Adding commercial units to the alley 2. Spaces/Components 2. Spaces/Components
will bring pedestrian traffic to the alley, A. GENERIC WORKSPACE A. INTERIOR WORKSPACE
creating a new public realm. It will also -work surface -seating -work surface
help create a neighborhood identity. -storage -storage
B. BATHROOM B. BATHROOM
-sink -toilet -sink -toilet
C. STOREFRONT C. PUBLIC LOBBY
-display spaces -desk -seating
3. Spatial Attributes -waiting area?
a. front side toward alley 3. Spatial Attributes
b. storefront at pedestrian level a. entrance toward alley
c. carved away for pedestrian b. exterior waiting space?
hangout space c. identity
d. interactive? 4. Exterior Condition
e. catalyst for street life a. solar array
f. storefront lighting b. water collection
4. Exterior Condition c. day lighting
a. solar array d. signage
b. water collection e. presence in community
c. daylighting
d. signage
e. materiality creates identity
65

66. ENTERTAINMENT: A. CLUBHOUSE (1 story)
1. Square Footage: 400 sf
B. COMMUNITY FACILITY (1-2
stories)
2. Spaces/Components 1. Square Footage: 700 sf
The idea that these interventions would A. LOUNGE 2. Spaces/Components
have a life during all times of the day -seating A. LOUNGE
is vital to the concept of creating a -entertainment center -seating
neighborhood within a neighborhood. B. BATHROOM -entertainment center
To achieve this, there needs to -sink -toilet B. BATHROOM
be a nighttime function for these C. KITCHENETTE -sink -toilet
interventions. Because the home office -fridge -stove C. SHARED KITCHEN
unit would, under normal circumstances, -sink -cupboards -fridge -stove
only be used during the day, the idea is 3. Spatial Attributes -sink -cupboards
that it could serve a dual function as one a. front side toward alley -island
of these options. b. game room D. PLAY ROOM
c. quiet hangout -toys -storage
d. residential night life 3. Spatial Attributes
a. large kitchen for neighborhood
4. Exterior Condition to share, room for multiple people to
a. materiality creates identity work at same time.
b. summer time outside room b. exterior gathering space
c. transformable- from organized
neighborhood meetings to children’s
birthday parties.
d. day and nighttime uses.
e. play room flexible as age
group shifts.
4. Exterior Condition
a. solar array
b. water collection
66 c. daylighting
d. outdoor rooms
e. presence in community

67. STORAGE: SERVICE:
Currently, most structures that exist in Like storage, services will need to re-
the alley are storage sheds. They house main in the new development. The al-
mainly automobiles, but also overflow ley will still function as a sort of lifeline
from the house, and lawn care tools. for the neighborhood. Parking, trash
Though the alley will be developed, collection, thru-traffic, water, sewer,
these needs will still remain. These electricity and other needs will remain,
components are to be thought of as a they will just have to transform to fit
module that could be added to any of within the new environment.
the previous interventions.
A. CAR STORAGE
1. Square Footage: 100-400 sf
B. YARD STORAGE
1. Square Footage: 100-300 sf
Fig 18
garbage collection size
requirements
67

68. 68

69. design strategy
BACKFILL:
methods + process
69

70. KIT OF PARTS:
After evaluating the character of the
PORCH: a visually public, but private zone
surrounding streets, it was possible between inside and out denotes the entry.
to discern a series of layers that exist.
These layers address issues of public APPROACH: a zone between the pedestrian
and private space. They have been path and the porch that acts as a filtering
identified as: device between public and private.
PEDESTRIAN PATH: also known as the
sidewalk, this is the public realm, yet it is
under the surveillance of the inhabitants of
the private.
CANOPY: a non-physical spatial boundary
that is created by the roof line. and the un-
derside of the trees. It differentiates the scale
between the street and sidewalk.
BARRIER: a natural line that separates auto-
mobile traffic from pedestrian traffic. It also
defines a change in speed between the two.
STREET: the realm where automobile traffic
is allowed and rates of speed are increased.
70

71. KIT OF PARTS:
From this evaluation of privacy layers,
a physical kit of parts has been created
for use in the design.
COLUMNS LEVEL CHANGE SLAB CANOPY BARRIER
71

72. SITE ORIENTATION:
Because typical Milwaukee lots are
arranged on a north to south axis, the
houses are orientated from east to
west. Which is good ecological design,
however, since the houses are packed
together so tightly, they are unable to
reap the benefits of Southern exposure.
This is an opportunity that can be taken
advantage of when developing the alley.
72

73. SITE ORIENTATION:
If the individual interventions are
arranged in such a way to always be
hugging the north edge of the lot, it will
leave open space to the south of each
structure. This allows for the benefits
of southern exposure, day lighting and
passive solar gain, while still adding
density to the area.
73

74. SHADOW STUDY:
Because the typical orientation of
Milwaukee’s houses are on the East-
West Axis, and they are butted up closely
against each other, there is no potential
to harness southern light unless on a
corner lot. There exists a potential for
development in the farther spaced
interventions of the alley. By creating
exterior rooms between interventions,
the southern light can be utilized.
3-4 story building types cast
shadow over a large portion
of yard space.
1-2 story building types cast
enough shadow to provide
necessary shade, and allow
sunlight into yard also.
74

75. JUNE: SEPTEMBER: DECEMBER:
8 am
noon
6 pm 75

76. 76

77. DESIGN STRATEGY:
First, a master plan for the alley will
After the master planning phase, The master plan and intervention design
be created. The main goal of this will
individual interventions will be should work together to produce a sense
be to create a sense of place and an
designed. These interventions will of community that fosters an active street
active street life. The carving away of
follow the categories of work, live, and life with many layers of interaction.
private space to create public communal
play. The categories established in the
space will blur the boundary between
program section were housing, work,
public and private to increase social
and entertainment. The individual
interaction within the alley. Increased
interventions should spur an active street
social interaction will then put users in
life. This is why it is necessary for them to
the alley and “eyes on the street (alley)”
have activities that span all times of the
to make it a safer public environment.
day and all seasons. Units used for home
offices during the day should double
Utilitarian lifelines still must exist within
as a clubhouse or homework space at
the new public realm. Services such as
night. An artist studio should have the
parking and trash removal cannot go
potential to convert into a gallery space
away or be moved elsewhere. A challenge
to host gallery nights when the artist has
exists to combine them in a graceful way
something to show. Units that include
with the new public, social functions of
outdoor porches should have a method
the alley.
for winterization or better yet, be able to
be used during the treacherous winter
months. Snow removal should also be
considered when designing these units.
77

78. 78

79. credits
BACKFILL:
citations
79

80. LITERATURE REVIEW:
80

81. 81

82. FIGURES CITED:
82

83. 83

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