Project: City Pixel Plus (Winter Semester 2013–14)

The townhouse is a modern interpretation of a residential typology that is often considered outdated but is, in fact, a tried-and-true and popular style. Today, thanks to their spaciousness, layout, and living environment, these homes offer living space that is highly sought after by many people, whether as rental properties or owner-occupied homes. With its distinct individuality, the townhouse differs significantly from multi-story apartment buildings, villas, and townhouses; yet at the same time—thanks to similarities in size, proportions, materials, and façade design—it creates a high level of urban density when arranged in a row. For several years now, the townhouse has been experiencing a renaissance, whether in cooperative projects or as individual building blocks for property owners of plots or for building groups.

With the project CITY PIXEL PLUS – TYPOLOGY OF THE TOWNHOUSE, we aim to examine the potential of this typology, identify sustainable trends, and further develop them.

What spatial and organizational possibilities can new townhouse types offer their residents?

How can access areas be spatially activated to enhance residential quality?

How can spaces be designed to be used in multiple ways, and how can room sizes and proportions be arranged flexibly?

The task is complex: combining high density with a high quality of life, designing open spaces and communal areas, creating individualized floor plans, ensuring divisibility, and refining the design down to the finest architectural details. The goal is to systematically develop urban building blocks that, when combined, shape the neighborhood and contribute to the city’s evolution.

Faculty: Maya Reiner (Prof., Dipl.-Ing., M.Arch.)
Marc Matzken (M.A.)
Christopher Unger (Dipl.-Ing.)