Developed with the goal of designing for the future of a multi species ecosystem, rather than the strictly anthropocentric language that controls architectural design today, this housing proposal is not only a multi-family dwelling, but also a multi-species one. Located on the Hudson River in Troy, New York, this proposal implements a human-made wetland ecosystem in two segments. The first is a fully-protected wetland, designed as a large courtyard condition with the building itself providing protection on all sides, apart from an opening into the Hudson River. The second is a wetland park located just outside the walls of the main building, which would allow fauna from the protected wetland to venture out at will, while also providing human visitors and inhabitants with and outdoor space to view the wetlands without interfering in the main protected zone. Every detail of the building's design is developed with the flora and fauna of the wetland ecosystem in mind, from lighting and shading devices to acoustic protection. The wetland also doubles as an effective and environmentally friendly storm water management system.
