Prompt: How To Design an Adapted Building

A step-by-step design process provides the necessary context to make decisions as we go, so the end result looks more natural. When our decisions respond to context, we feel more connected to the end result. Stock plans and prefab housing don't adapt to context because they're ready-made products that predetermine everything ahead of time. We can't relate to cookie-cutter repetition, so it feels fake.

1. Find the right area.

Context: Town, Neighborhood

Study the town to find the right area. Each neighborhood has unique advantages and disadvantages. Should the neighborhood be dense or rural? Should the style be modern or historic? Choose an area that will benefit from development. Fill in empty lots. Prioritize the pedestrian experience. Find houses nearby that you like.

Knowledge: Urbanism Rules

In order to make reasonable decisions during the site-selection process, it helps to have general knowledge about:

• Land use

• The size of blocks & hierarchy of streets

• Style considerations

2. Site the building.

Context: Street, Site

Once you find the right area, site the building on the lot. Approximate its size based on your program requirements. Locate the house to shape space with neighboring houses. Preserve the best parts of the property (views, sunlight, trees, etc.). Consider site access, parking requirements, future additions, accessory buildings, etc. If the building interferes with the neighbor's rights, check with them first. Test the dimensions on site using stakes in the ground.

Knowledge: Urbanism Rules

For deciding how to site the building, it helps to know:

• Formal Codes: how much space is needed for a house, for a driveway/garage, for a yard, for a garden, how to shape a cluster, how to position a house for sunlight

• Dynamic Codes, such as privacy requirements (setbacks from the road and neighbors), easements for the sun and important views, rules about plants and trees

• Negotiated Rights: ways to negotiate shared space with neighbors