Urban Works is a flexible and creative environment equipped with apartments, studios and a marketplace, allowing the artist, creator or small business owner to live, work and sell all under one roof. Geared towards the creative class, this proposal combines the popular co-working model with residential and commercial space.
A lot on the corner of 26th and Lawrence Streets was chosen as the location. This site is on the border of the residential Five Points and the industrial RiNo neighborhoods, and sits right in the middle of the various co-work spaces popping up throughout the area. Mindful of these conditions, we decided to stitch the two urban fabrics together by creating a live/work community nested in a modest warehouse
By stacking our three major programmatic elements – retail, working and residential – we addressed the three-story building maximum per the zoning code. Four light wells puncture vertically through the building to allow ample light and exterior windows for all apartments on the third floor. Ground-level glazing and a grand entryway give the building a strong street presence. Up above, balconies enable residents and office workers to enjoy the city's great climate and to feel connected to the lively urban environment.