a vertical solution for a horizontal city

the contemporary megacity is shaped by transportation infrastructure and characterized by continuous outward expansion, a pattern of development that has left behind spatial voids within more central urban areas. new architectural forms that adapt to these voids by rethinking the potential of residual urban space can be a catalyst for density as an alternative to replacing older buildings or continuing to expand the urban fringe. using los angeles as a testing ground, this thesis proposes new housing typologies to program underused spaces and accommodate future increases in population. this thesis proposes a series of interventions throughout the city while keeping the existing urban fabric intact. the designs proposed take the form of dense infill housing units, addressing the issues of increased population, decreased land availability, and planning for the reduction of automobile usage in an increasingly multimodal future.

university of washington, department of architecture. committee: david miller and gundula proksch.