In 2005, for the first time in the history of human culture, more people lived in cities worldwide than in any other housing environment. One million more move to a city each day the world over. Humanity has chosen the city as its environment, its home. INTERSTICE Architects views the suburban model as out-dated and defunct—it is closure, separation, conformity. It is energy wasteful, infrastructure heavy, transport dependent, and resource inefficient.

San Francisco Urban Housing must be the exact opposite. It must be permeable; socially, physically, and ecologically sustainable; self-sufficient and changeable—all with the goal of creating a better quality of life—plus the desire and ability—for citizens to stay in the city of San Francisco. Indigenous patterns inspire the next generation of responsive urban dwelling. It is time to consider the ecology and efficiency of this Human Habitat.

The units in the Octavia Housing project are densely clustered, creating formally rich alleyways and paths which traverse the private sanctuary of contiguous rear yards. The entire project provides a garden for everyone, highlighting the importance of the natural world in the urban one. What areas that lack plant growth is clad in photo-voltaic panels that creates a topography of energy collection, transforming its ornamental language into a syntax of solar collecting adjustable shutters, sliding doors, roof shades, and layered architraves.