Byron Rumford Plaza
Location:
Berkeley, CA
Description:
This project was developed as an effort to revitalize a city neighborhood which had succumbed to urban deterioration and economic failure. The intent of the project was to provide the neighborhood with needed affordable housing while involving the present members of the community in the entire design process. This development consists of 43 units of one, two and three bedrooms in two and three story buildings. The buildings are clustered around central open space, with parking located at the middle and ends of the site. Townhouse units are stacked over flats in two rows related to each of the streets, and unit clusters are placed in a configuration which creates sheltered open space and promotes a sense of community within the residential block. A community building is situated in the middle of the complex for the use of the residents.