Credits: 1.25 AIA LU

Join us at Arch Ex to celebrate the Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) Class of 2024 as they unveil their project for this year: a human-centered toolkit designed to assist in tackling Alexandria’s affordable housing crisis. This toolkit is a comprehensive and accessible resource aimed at empowering residents, policymakers, and developers to collaboratively address housing challenges.

The toolkit offers practical solutions and fosters a deeper understanding of affordable housing's crucial role in creating a vibrant and equitable Alexandria. It demystifies the complexities surrounding affordable housing, counters harmful stereotypes, and addresses the scarcity of accessible information. By spotlighting the diversity of “missing middle” housing and challenging outdated zoning laws, the toolkit advocates for a shift toward human-centric, community-oriented design.

A key feature of the presentation is the Potomac Yards Master Plan redesign, which serves as a case study demonstrating the toolkit's application to real-world design challenges. Through this example, the ELA Class highlights strategies to overcome barriers such as misinformation, lack of buildable land, and displacement concerns. Through education, community engagement, and the application of thoughtful design principles, this project seeks to inspire meaningful conversation and action toward a more equitable and sustainable city.