Y-HAB: COLLECTIVE HOUSING FOR DIGITAL NATIVES - B.Arch final thesis
Author: Marcella Spinelli / Advisor: Ana Rolim
Catholic University of Pernambuco (UNICAP), Brazil
THESIS AWARDED BY ARCHDAILY - Best Graduation Thesis in Portuguese Speaking Countries
YHAB is a pioneering housing concept tailored for digital natives, born between 1980-1995, known for their preference for flexible and socially stimulating spaces. Anchored in extensive research on Recife's population, predominantly comprised of this demographic, YHAB addresses the evolving needs of this generation.
Architects play a crucial role in understanding and integrating the dynamic activities demanded by digital natives. By embracing technological advancements and the ever-changing user experience, YHAB reimagines living environments to accommodate diverse activities that continually evolve.
Situated in Recife's historic downtown, a burgeoning digital hub, YHAB transforms underutilized urban lots into vibrant communal spaces. Designed for mid-block, narrow plots, the ground floor seamlessly connects both sides of the block, featuring a range of housing units and shared spaces tailored for work and leisure.
Recognized for its innovative approach, YHAB was honored by Archdaily among hundreds of submissions from Brazil and Portugal, reflecting its thoughtful design and timely relevance
More information is available on the Archdaily web page.
 Street view |  Simulation of prototypical Y-HAB units inserted in Bairro do Recife, a neighborhood with several technological hubs where digital natives work. |  Perspective section thru the building |
|---|---|---|
 Ground floor access |  Ground floor plan |  One of the access areas to housing units |
 4th floor plan with communal spaces |  Common spaces on 5th floor |  Co-working area |
 Experiments of possible residential unit layouts made with actual Y generation users during pre-design phase |  1st floor plan with single and duplex residential units, and shared spaces |  2nd floor plan with residential units |
 Interior perspective section highlighting residential units |  A moveable pop-up store shared by dwellers to showcase artifacts and services they would provide. |