As the major education zone, University City also has the
largest Asian community in Saint Louis. Now University City’s
government has a proposal for an International District along
Olive Boulevard, thus I want to transform the shophouse - a
typical Asian mixed-use residential typology to cater to the
needs of this International District and help the development
of a genuine community in University City.
From the case study of three different shophouse typologies,
the patio/atrium in the house has become an indoor public
space dividing but also connecting different programs under
one roof, in which courtyard and staircase will be incorporated.
The public space follows the circulation between programs
to link them together. These public space can be not only
indoor atrium, courtyard and staircase, but also outdoor
dining area, community garden and plaza. The series of public
space associate seperate shophouses together, helping to
create a hybrid urban density, improving social dynamics and
social interaction.