Vertical coalescence: a mixed-use affordable housing solution for Chicago, Illinois

This thesis explores how a high-rise residential model can function as a vertical city, embedding community, wellness, and ecological aspects into its design. It prioritizes affordability and shared spaces in neighborhoods that span the vertical structure, challenging conventional notions of high-rise hierarchies. This thesis seeks to create a more humane residential model in which essential daily needs are seamlessly integrated throughout the building, reinforcing the idea that high-rise housing can function as a self-sustaining community. Situated in downtown Chicago, this design demonstrates how high-density housing can be restructured to better support human needs, providing a more enriching framework for future urban living. Groups of residential units encourage communal living and strengthen the sense of community with shared kitchens and dining areas. Ecological strategies including light wells, wind chambers, green spaces, and rainwater collection are embedded within the design, enhancing both environmental performance and occupant well-being. By redefining the high-rise as a vertical city, this thesis challenges outdated residential models, demonstrating how affordable urban housing can foster both environmental responsibility and a stronger sense of community.