Students, especially those hailing from foreign countries, find themselves subject to numerous rules, regulations, and protocols. Their daily lives are frequently governed by both the government and their host educational institution. Furthermore, the design of student housing often operates under the assumption that students need a secure environment, reinforcing the perception of students as vulnerable individuals. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the seclusion inherent in the architecture of student residences has only amplified this sense of security within purpose-built student accommodations.

Master Plan: Stratford

The connections between student housing and educational facilities are currently lacking and disconnected. There's a clear separation between them, with students often being sheltered within solid boundaries. These solid boundaries restrict students from fully integrating the park into their sense of safety. Fences serve as a visible representation of this division. The design approach aims to address this issue by focusing on the park's perimeter. It introduces a new avenue for students to engage with the park, offering a reconnection between students and the park environment.

What if walls could serve as functional spaces, not just static structures? This design approach explores their potential for various functions, creating zones where indoor and outdoor environments converge. These iterations demonstrate the versatility of this space, redefining the concept of privacy. The objective is to create multiple types of walls that allow individuals to personalize their safety. By incorporating diverse wall designs, common spaces are strategically positioned between individual bedrooms and bathrooms. This encourages movement between sleeping and bathing areas, challenging conventional notions of privacy and safety. While bedrooms and bathrooms are integrated, the communal area remains open for students to use as they wish. This design fosters a flexible and dynamic living environment tailored to individual preferences.

1. *Vertical Living Units*: The living units are arranged vertically along a wall, and their configuration is based on the level of privacy required. 2. *Vertical Access*: There's a staircase from the ground floor that goes straight to the third floor, where the co-working area is located. This design encourages easy access and utilization of the shared workspace. 3. *Bathroom and Bedroom Layout*: Private bathrooms are situated on the first floor, while bedrooms on the third floor are separated by a common room. Access between these levels is facilitated by elastic loft stairs. 4. *Windows and Transparency*: The windows in the living units can be opened or tilted, promoting a sense of transparency and allowing residents to adjust their environment for security and comfort. 5. *Open Ground Floor*: The ground floor is designed as an open plan, providing flexibility for different uses. Partition walls can be used to regulate the level of privacy within this space. 6. * Landscape*: The second living unit is integrated with the landscape and follows the original shape of the field, revitalizing the area. 7. * Cultural Institutions*: The third unit faces the East Bank and is positioned between the railways, which is expected to encourage more activities and interactions among students. This design approach seems to prioritize flexibility, adaptability, and a balance between privacy and openness, creating a dynamic living environment for the residents.

This project challenges traditional student housing norms by emphasizing that safety doesn't have to mean isolation. It aims to strike a balance between safety and openness through innovative design. By creating a central gathering space, it encourages social interaction and community among students. The adaptable living spaces cater to modern student care and well-being, reimagining student housing as a dynamic, community-oriented, and safety-conscious environment.