W STREET CONDO
The Propinquity Effect

The driving idea for the project was to provide the social spaces necessary to favor the development of the propinquity effect, or "the tendency for people to form friendships or romantic relationships with those whom they encounter often".

Built on a lot vacant since the 1968 riots, the nearby corner of 14th and W Street had become by the 1980's one of the worst drug markets in the city, as documented in the book by Leon Dash, Rosa Lee's Story.

Laid out to maximum efficiency, the design strategy balanced larger living spaces with somewhat reduced private spaces.

Elevation: W Street

Plan: First Floor

Plan: Typical Upper Levels