Mini Village, Future Urban Home Proposal
Revitalizing suburban neighborhoods through incremental density, shared resources, and community stewardship.
Role: Co-designer with Studio BANAA as part of the Mini Living Future Urban Home Competition.
San Francisco’s suburban neighborhoods—shaped by strict zoning policies over the past two decades—are dominated by low-density housing separated from commercial activity. As a result, many districts lack the vibrancy, integrated resources, and sense of community once provided by traditional village models. At the same time, the city faces a housing shortage, escalating rents, and large swaths of underutilized residential land.
Citywide Retail Strategy, SF Planning
By incrementally densifying underused residential zones, Mini Village addresses urgent housing needs while fostering stronger neighborhood connections. It transforms overlooked land into a catalyst for housing, commerce, and social life—creating a sustainable, community-driven alternative to large-scale urban development.
At its core, the concept asks private landowners to contribute a 2.5-foot strip from their rear setbacks, combining them into a 5-foot “micro communal strip” dedicated to public circulation, gardens, and shared spaces. In exchange, landowners gain the right to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and, in some cases, commercial workspaces on their lots. Collective management by a homeowners’ association ensures long-term stewardship and community decision-making.
