The archetypal privatized suburban single-family block so prevalent in development sprawl today, is ripe for re-examination and design speculation given contemporary rapid urbanization and the need for densification in cities today. Privatized single-family houses subdivide the prototypical suburban block into fenced parcels that hold very low density and yet take up a relatively disproportionately large amount of area. While the block contains a large percentage of open space, these space - front lawns, side & back yards - are often devoid of urban vitality, sociability or communality between residents and with the public realm.

 

This prototypical block can be co-opted with the introduction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) that are tactically inserted into the backyards of existing parcels in order to increase density & provide additional rental income for home-owners that may need it. ADU's are a zoning variance that allow a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit to be built and located on the same lot parcel as an existing detached single-family home. By strategically designing ADU densification into the block, previously underutilized side & back yards can become activated by communal gardens & fruit trees while micro-openings in existing dwellings can create sociability between neighbors.