Micro-Hood proposes a visionary approach to neighborhood development, aiming to create resilient, lower-carbon communities while addressing the challenges of rising construction costs and a shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry.

The project advocates for the creation of apartment buildings on single lots, challenging conventional building norms and emphasizing community ownership through initiatives like Community Land Trusts. To address the construction labor crisis, Micro-Hood promotes the use of prefab construction. When adopted at scale, prefabrication can reduce the cost and speed up the process of construction.

Key components of the proposal include:

1. Revised Building Rules: The project suggests revising regulations to allow for greater flexibility in building design, such as single egress designs and minimized setbacks, while also advocating for reduced parking requirements and the allowance of multiple principal buildings on one lot.
2. Prefabricated Construction: To address the construction labor crisis, the project promotes the use of prefabricated panels, offering a standardized approach to construction while maximizing efficiency and reducing costs.
3. Community Land Trusts (CLTs): The proposal introduces the concept of CLTs to facilitate community-oriented development, shared ownership, and affordable housing options, allowing for a mix of tenures including life tenancies.
4. Shared Amenities and Spaces: Emphasizing shared outdoor amenities and community-building spaces over private outdoor areas, the project aims to foster connections among residents and promote a sense of belonging within the neighborhood.
5. Sustainable Density: By reimagining the relationship between density and open space, the project envisions a network of shared public spaces, such as the “Lifeline,” that serve as hubs for social interaction, recreation, and local businesses.

Micro-Hood earned an Honorable Mention in Urbanarium’s “Decoding Density” competition.