Introduction

For all its vibrancy and allure, New York has long struggled with a housing crisis marked by rigid building codes and skyrocketing land values. Today's housing developments often resemble mere economic units—efforts to maximize profit devoid of soul or character. Leading voices in the field argue that the city’s housing landscape fails to rise to the occasion of its urban dynamism.

Challenge to the Norm

Sam Alison-Mayne, a contractor and son of renowned architect Thom Mayne, recalls the frustrations he faced while navigating New York's housing market. "New York is supposedly the greatest, most competitive city on Earth," he says. "But when it comes to housing, competition doesn't yield the best solutions.” However, Alison-Mayne and his colleague, Sebastian Mendez, an Argentinian architect, have dared to challenge this norm. They established Tankhouse, a development firm focused on creating distinctive housing projects. A decade later, they are earning applause for their innovative designs, including their most recent project in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

The Whimsical Pink Castle

Standing out against the monotonous backdrop of conventional apartment buildings, their latest creation resembles a whimsical pink castle. This eye-catching edifice features cubic volumes twisting and turning, allowing for a myriad of shared terraces and communal spaces. Made of rose-tinted precast concrete, the building dazzles under the sun, reminiscent of the iconic works by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, catching the attention of design enthusiasts and curious passersby alike.

Challenging the Status Quo

The architects behind this innovative project, SO-IL, led by Florian Idenburg and Jing Liu, challenge New York's status quo by shaking off the constraints imposed by existing zoning laws. "Everything here is driven by 'net-to-gross efficiency,'" Idenburg notes, critiquing a system that prioritizes profit over livability. Their approach turned heads, as they opted to pursue designs that embraced common social living spaces rather than squeezing every square foot for maximum economic gain.

Creating Vibrant Living Environments

SO-IL and Tankhouse have successfully navigated the maze of New York's complex zoning codes to create vibrant living environments that defy the traditional "cookie-cutter" approach. Their ingenuity shines through in their first project in Gowanus, Brooklyn, where they transformed a cluster of homes around lush courtyards. The design not only fostered a sense of community but also defied conventional norms, selling out before construction even concluded. Mendez, who even relocated his family to this unique space, highlights that their architectural philosophy prioritizes a connection to nature and social engagement over mere efficiency.

Rethinking Urban Living

From inventive outdoor staircases to budget-friendly materials that elevate the architectural design, these projects reflect an urgency to rethink urban living. This new paradigm operates beyond the strictly economic calculations typically favored by banks, instead prioritizing community-oriented design and sustainable living principles.

Ambitious New Projects

As they expand their vision, Tankhouse is taking on an ambitious new project: a 20-story rental apartment complex in Gowanus featuring a focus on affordability. With serrated sawtooth facades and thoughtfully planned communal areas, this development aims to marry affordability with innovative design, challenging the very concept of "luxury" housing in New York.

A Hopeful Future

Although Alison-Mayne acknowledges the high cost of prior developments, he remains optimistic about the lessons learned, emphasizing, "We’ve built a bunch of very expensive housing, but there's a foundational logic that other developers must grasp to create inclusive spaces."

Conclusion

In an era when many cities face a housing crisis, Tankhouse and SO-IL stand as beacons of hope, daring to dream of what urban living can be beyond mere economic efficiency. These coral-colored castles invite us to envision a landscape where creativity, community, and affordability are no longer seen as mutually exclusive but instead can coexist to breathe new life into urban living. Will their model inspire a new wave of affordable housing that doesn’t compromise design or creativity? Only time will tell!