Studio Libeskind’s Vision for Affordable Senior Housing

Architecture firm Studio Libeskind has recently completed The Atrium at Sumner Houses, a pioneering affordable housing project designed to serve seniors in Brooklyn, New York. This innovative development, located at the heart of the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Sumner Houses campus, features 190 apartments and is distinguished by its central, full-height atrium, which lends the building its name and serves as a focal point for community engagement and connectivity.

Embracing Community Through Design

The Atrium at Sumner Houses stands as a testament to Studio Libeskind’s commitment to community-oriented design. The building’s 11-storey structure wraps around the central atrium, creating a unique and visually compelling space that promotes interaction and a sense of belonging among residents. This design approach is characteristic of Studio Libeskind’s architectural style, which often includes bold, angled facades that break away from conventional forms.

Affordable Housing for Seniors

This project is part of New York City’s Seniors First program, which aims to provide quality housing for elderly residents. The Atrium at Sumner Houses prioritizes seniors earning below or equivalent to 50 percent of the Area Median Income. Additionally, 57 units are reserved for seniors who have previously experienced homelessness, while 33 apartments are designated for NYCHA residents, with one unit set aside for a live-in superintendent. This inclusive approach ensures that the housing needs of some of the most vulnerable populations are met.

Inspired by Personal Experience

The design of The Atrium at Sumner Houses draws inspiration from Studio Libeskind founder Daniel Libeskind’s personal history. Growing up in the Amalgamated Housing Cooperative in the Bronx during the late 1950s and early 1960s, Libeskind experienced firsthand the impact of well-designed social housing. This background influenced his vision for creating a building that not only meets the physical needs of its residents but also fosters a sense of home and community.

“Growing up in social housing in the Bronx gave me a unique perspective on the importance of community and high-quality, affordable housing,” Libeskind said. “I took this insight to task when designing The Atrium at Sumner Houses; I wanted to create a place that felt like home to the residents.”

Central Atrium: Heart of the Community

At the core of the building is the central atrium, which acts as a communal space for residents. This atrium is more than an architectural feature; it is a garden designed, installed, and maintained by The Horticultural Society of New York. This green space provides a tranquil area for relaxation and social interaction, enhancing the quality of life for residents. The atrium is surrounded by access corridors that overlook this central area, ensuring that all apartments benefit from natural light and a connection to the community space below.

Thoughtfully Designed Amenities

The ground floor of The Atrium at Sumner Houses houses a glazed entrance lobby and a spacious 8,309-square-foot community center. This center is a hub for various activities and services, contributing to the building’s role as a community anchor. Other amenities include laundry rooms, a community room, a computer room, an exercise room, and bicycle storage, all designed to cater to the needs of senior residents and promote an active, engaged lifestyle.

Adaptable and Sustainable Living Spaces

Each apartment in The Atrium at Sumner Houses is designed to be adaptable, ensuring that living spaces can accommodate the changing needs of residents over time. This flexibility is crucial for senior housing, where accessibility and ease of use are paramount. The building’s design also incorporates sustainable practices, aligning with broader goals of creating environmentally responsible and energy-efficient housing.

A Commitment to Social Housing

The Atrium at Sumner Houses is part of Studio Libeskind’s broader commitment to creating affordable, dignified housing solutions. This project follows the firm’s Allan & Geraldine Rosenberg Residences in Freeport, another example of their work in this critical sector. In a conversation with Dezeen earlier this year, Libeskind emphasized the importance of architects engaging with social housing to bring creativity and dignity to these essential projects.

“More good architects should get involved in social housing,” Libeskind told Dezeen. “We need creativity to overcome the social-housing stigma and we need architects who can invent new ways to create housing that is decent, has dignity, is beautiful and sustainable within the budgets allowed.”

Conclusion

The Atrium at Sumner Houses represents a significant achievement in affordable housing design, offering a model for future developments. Through innovative architecture that prioritizes community, adaptability, and sustainability, Studio Libeskind has created a space that not only meets the practical needs of its residents but also enriches their lives. This project underscores the vital role of thoughtful design in addressing social issues and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations. As the field of architecture continues to evolve, projects like The Atrium at Sumner Houses demonstrate the profound impact that well-designed, affordable housing can have on individuals and communities alike.

Photography: Hufton + Crow

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