Living around a shared courtyard

This residential complex consists of some 140 units in various dwelling types and with a shared meeting area. Whereas the central court of a perimeter block would be take up with individual gardens, here it is pre-eminently a community space with a street running through it and space for parking cars. All entrances to the houses are on this inner side which has taken over the function of the streets traditionally around the outside of the block. In this inner zone there is room enough left for playgrounds and for community activities. The private gardens have shifted to the outer side, confirming that the principle of the perimeter block with gardens inside and bounded by streets has been roundly turned inside out. The roof acts as a shelter, an umbrella of sorts able to house a plethora of building heights and dwelling types. It forges all these differences into a single urban entity.