The Merge
An affordable San Francisco housing proposal at the intersection of transportation, habitation, and life.
The Merge is a mixed use development at the intersection of Geneva and San Jose Ave, centered in the Balboa Park neighborhood of San Francisco, California. 100 affordable rental units share communal kitchen, laundry, fitness, and garden amenities, clustered at the sprawling ends of the building.
Ground level restaurant and retail spaces further activate the lively intersection.
A flexible community room, a childcare center, and an open playground contribute to the local neighborhood.
Located 15 minutes from downtown, underground parking at Balboa Park connects South Bay commuters to public transportation and bolsters the budget for public developments.
Modular design allows an efficient building footprint, expandable horizontally and vertically over a concrete podium to fit varying sites. The surrounding train yard and highway vernacular inform the metal panel finish and merging linear forms of the building.
The Merge is a theoretical entry shortlisted for the San Francisco Affordable Housing Challenge design competition.