POLIS

a new community vision for urban living

Charlottesville, Virginia

Beginning with a grid-like design, this urban space aims to bring a population of people that inhabit the Downtown Mall together with people carrying out their daily activities in that area, or even people who visit the space after being attracted to its purpose. Extrusions take place in order to elevate the built environment, accommodating housing units of different sizes available for students or families, as well as public spaces such as restaurants, office spaces, gyms, and other spaces for recreational purposes. Rooftop terraces can be enjoyed to appreciate the space as a whole in the public environment, and the same takes place from private balconies located in the housing units. The configuration also gives way to a path through the buildings. This space provides a new urban context to Charlottesville, with a denser population that is able to unite, as well as enjoy outdoor resting areas whilst visiting the Downtown Mall.