The physical modeling process brings me closer to architecture as a built, rather than conceptual, practice. Constructed over a year and a half time, patience and impermanence serve as guiding virtues throughout the process. Using only glue when necessary and relying on parts fitting together like casework, the model serves as a canvas for iterative “sketching” and mocking up.

Architectural constraints are drawn from the Chicago Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance, which defines no more than 700 square feet of living space and 22 feet of maximum building height. Because most Chicago lots suffer from narrow, 25’ wide lots, this east/west oriented project sets back the south facing living spaces towards and interior courtyard to maintain privacy and maximum daylighting.