Multi-family Housing: Macro To Micro

Big Picture People 

Landscape architects are big picture people –we start with the macro, then focus on the micro. As we discover a space, we ask key questions: where are the connections, what are the natural systems, what are the adjacencies, what are the demographics? As the process continues, we begin to hone in on design details like paver patterns, wood fasteners, furniture and plants. 

When we craft multi-family housing developments, it’s no different. Our goal is to create detailed, intimate spaces where people will feel safe and at home. We look at how the development will fit into its surrounding neighborhood and consider its potential to enhance a community.  

Creating Comfortable Communities 

We design multi-family housing to feel homey and provide amenities to help people feel as comfortable as possible. These amenities don’t always look the same (in fact, they come in many different forms), but their function is our priority. For example, an engaging streetscape can serve as a front yard, while a cozy seating in a private area of a courtyard can become your reading nook. Similarly, the coffee shop on the corner may act as your office and the Thai place down the street could become your weeknight dining room. We work closely with architects to provide transitions between the indoors and outdoors, spreading the amenity love beyond the clubhouse or fancy unit features. Connecting residents to these urban out-of-home amenities provides an incredible sense of home and activates a neighborhood, successfully making it a more vibrant and attractive place to live. 

Bringing it Home 

As we design, we consider how key design elements are evolving and pass on short-term trends. Instead, we aim for what research shows will be lasting and impactful. We also challenge ourselves to ponder and reflect on ideas we’ve always wanted to implement in a community.  

It’s not just what’s inside of a home that makes it home, it’s the surrounding area as well. When designing multi-family spaces, Dix.Hite keeps this top of mind, dedicating ourselves to cultivating and developing a community where each of our neighbors can thrive.