ten arquitectos develops modular 'casita' for community gardens in new york

ten arquitectos develops modular ‘casita’ for community gardens in new york
all images courtesy of ten arquitectos

‘casita’ or ‘little house’ is part of the project by NYRP (new york restoration project) and urban air foundation. together, they tasked TEN arquitectos to develop an adaptable structure to serve as a platform for a diverse array of activities such as a food preparation station, stage for performances to just a straightforward spot for solace and shade. the resulting design came to a timber modular structure, sensitive to its outdoor garden context.

the casita is the social centerpiece and focal point of many community gardens

the urban garden structure has been a success in terms of its scalable proportions, low-cost and easy construction which has led to it being erected in the community gardens in puerto rico to south bronx. further development could lead to the integration of resilient elements such as solar panels and wifi where it would be able to function off the grid no matter the situation.

the casita will serve as a performance stage, food-prep station, and shaded gathering area

cost-efficient and widely accessible building components, making it an easy to construct structure

as a community-based design-build effort, the casita also encourages social resilience