Neighborhoods Now

MBB Architects recently partnered with Dattner Architects and University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP) to participate in Neighborhoods Now, a collaboration between the Urban Design Forum and Van Alen Institute that connects leading design firms with neighborhoods drastically effected by COVID-19 . UNHP is a non-profit organization working to create, preserve, and finance affordable housing in the Northwest Bronx. UNHP’s main priorities included updating their main office to allow core employees to safely return to work and exploring ways seniors housed in their facilities could safely use common spaces. Utilizing a phased approach and a menu of implementation strategies, MBB, Dattner and UNHP are reconfiguring UNHP’s main office to accommodate for safe distancing. Programming elements include reducing the number of workstations in each room, implementing a COVID-19 check-in station, and installing plexiglass partitions and air purifiers. The team also designed a cost-effective outdoor module planter system and shelter for the Rose Hill Community Center to allow tenants to gather safely outside their apartments.