Manhattan project unifies public, semi-public, and private functions within a single cohesive structure. The project integrates retail, office, and residential spaces through carefully planned circulation paths that smoothly connect the active street level with more contemplative interior zones. By blending these diverse functions, Manhattan redefines mixed-use development and enhance connectivity and community engagement.

Monolithic Form

Conceived as a single sculptural volume, the building is organized in distinct layers: retail spaces energize the ground floor, offices occupy the rear of the ground floor and the first level, and residential units crown the upper stories. This clear stratification not only creates a legible, welcoming structure but also distinguishes each function through purposeful design moves—from the wide, transparent storefronts at street level to the more secluded loggias and glass railings above.

Semi-Public Realm

Shaped like a “U,” the building encloses a generous courtyard that serves as a communal heart. It offers a quieter, semi-public realm—open yet secure—where residents, workers, and visitors naturally converge. Elevated walkways line the north side, bringing life and movement to the courtyard. These routes, while practical for circulation, also encourage neighborly interactions and add layers of visual interest.

On the ground floor, generously scaled retail spaces open directly onto the streets, creating an inviting face that draws pedestrians in from all directions. This active storefront level energizes the surrounding urban fabric and also signals a welcoming gesture to both locals and visitors, turning the building into a social hub at the neighborhood scale.

Semi-Private Realm

Running along the north side, distribution walkways animate the courtyard with movement and transparency. These passages, while serving a purely functional purpose of connecting residences, create an additional layer of social exchange. Neighbors passing one another, glimpses of daily routines, and spontaneous conversations all enrich the sense of belonging. The design treats these circulation routes as an architectural feature—an elevated promenade overlooking the communal courtyard—underscoring the importance of human interaction in shared spaces.

The façade itself exudes a restrained elegance, defined by light-toned brickwork and pronounced metal frames. These architectural accents, slightly angled and varying in position, bring a subtle rhythm to the otherwise crisp, orderly façade. Differences in window proportions hint at the change in use from offices to residences, while loggias and glass railings allow for both privacy and visual continuity with the courtyard below.

By thoughtfully layering public, semi-public, and private zones, Manhattan offers a new perspective on mixed-use design—one that emphasizes inclusivity, social engagement, and human-scaled living. The result is an environment that balances the dynamic energy of the city with moments of calm retreat, ultimately enriching the urban experience for everyone who passes through.