Part 2: Cube Housing

In Roderdam, we came across the Cube Housing by Peter Blaum which consists of individual housing units with a shaft at the center for circulation. The units exist as a monument within the city and creates space within the complex for its residents. Because the complex is elevated from the street level, it detaches itself from the surrounding urban fabric and from pedestrian circulation. This emphasizes its necessity to accommodate primarily to residents within its interior courtyards.

The form of the complex creates a wall between its interior and the urban context. While this is a residential structure, it also consists of several shops and restaurants within its interior courtyards which are meant primarily for residents. Within the boundaries, housing units are arranged around courtyards which open to the sky and let light in. 

The use of the interior courtyards have potential to become active spaces, but it seemed like it was dead space. Since circulation through the complex does not touch the ground, the spaces within the complex lack activity from people within the city. The courtyards therefore become nothing more than circulation.

The complex does not interact with its context which is why it stands as a monument within the city. Without engaging the public at ground level, there is a missed opportunity to activate spaces within the complex. While the units play off of one another and create spaces within the complex, the units also create a barrier from the city.