Student Work

Course Description

RAINIER VILLAGE

Student: Emily Ford
Studio: ARCH 503 — Brad Khouri — Fall 2025
Location: Seattle, Washington

Project Description

Rainier Village reimagines urban housing in Rainier Beach as a place where sustainability, equity, and community come together. This five-story mixed-use development offers 89 homes ranging from compact studios to spacious four-bedroom apartments and townhouses, ensuring a diversity of residents can find a place here. By integrating commercial spaces and community gathering areas, the project extends beyond housing to support neighborhood life and social connection.

The building is organized into three distinct volumes, breaking down its overall scale to better fit within the surrounding context. This approach improves access to natural light and enables passive solar strategies, reducing energy demands while enhancing interior comfort. At the heart of the project, a green courtyard manages stormwater while providing a shared outdoor space for residents to gather, relax, and connect with nature. These layered strategies, including environmental performance, social spaces, and varied housing options, work together to create a livable and resilient urban community.

Images from title of project.