Mit

Master of Architecture Thesis Building Against Vacancy:
Thursday, January 17, 2019

Space, Shelter, and Support for
LGBTQ Homeless Youth on
Double Vacant Lots in NYC
by
Joseph Michael Swerdlin
B.S. Architecture
State University of New York, University at Buffalo, 2013
Submitted to the Department of Architecture

on January 17, 2019 in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
AT THE
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
FEBRUARY 2019
© 2019 Joseph Michael Swerdlin. All rights reserved.

MIT Architecture
The author hereby grants to MIT permission to reproduce

and to distribute publicly paper and electronic copies of
this thesis document in whole or in part in any medium now
known or hereafter created.
Signature of Author:
Department of Architecture
January 17, 2018
Certified by:
Nasser Rabbat
Aga Khan Professor of Architecture
Thesis Supervisor
Accepted by:
Nasser Rabbat
Joey Swerdlin © 2019
Aga Khan Professor of Architecture

Chair of the Department Committee on Graduate Students
Thesis Title Page
1
by
Prof. Nasser Rabbat

Professor and Director of the Aga Khan Program
Thesis Advisor
MIT Architecture
Prof. Meejin Yoon

Professor of Architecture
Head Professor of the Department of Architecture
Thesis Reader
Prof. Brent Ryan

Associate Professor of Urban Design and Planning
Head, City Design and Development Group
Thesis Reader
Thesis Committee Page
2
by
Submitted to the Department of Architecture on

January 17, 2019 in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of Master of Architecture.
ABSTRACT
In this thesis, a building is designed on a New York City-owned vacant lot in Harlem to
serve homeless LGBTQ youth.
MIT Architecture
The City of New York maintains the condition of vacancy scattered throughout the five
boroughs where, The Department of Housing Preservation and Development owns
over 1,300 empty lots. While these spaces may be viewed as real estate opportunities,
approximately a quarter of them are undesirable for development due to their small,
Old Law size (25’ x 112’). Further, an examination of the history of these lots should
resist a reductive response to simply build market-rate housing. The vacancies are
the result of strategic disinvestment through redlining practices. Historically, this has
disproportionately impacted low-wealth communities of color. Today, these urban voids
maintain the memory of displacement and destruction among these communities.
Undesirable to their families, thousands of LGBTQ youth find themselves living on

the streets. While seven percent of youth identify as LGBTQ in New York City, this
minority community makes up over forty percent of the homeless youth population.
One response to this crisis by the queer community–specifically within house-ball
subculture–is the creation of “houses” where chosen families are formed. In these social
structures, “mothers” and “fathers” serve as guardians for their “children,” taking care
of them through the myriad challenges faced by youth who identify along the gender
and sexuality spectra. This organization is paired with contemporary practices in youth
Thesis Abstract Page
homeless shelters to rethink supportive services and housing for homeless youth.
Building Against Vacancy imagines an architecture that transforms undesirable lots into
viable, vibrant spaces for non-dominant forms of culture, expression, and living.
Thesis Advisor: Nasser Rabbat

Title: Aga Khan Professor of Architecture
3
Master of Architecture Thesis Contents
5 Acknowledgments
6 Thesis Book Photographs
12 Setup Booklet
MIT Architecture
52 Plan Drawings Booklet
80 Section Drawings Booklet
100 Isometric Drawings Booklet
118 Scene Drawings Booklet
140 References Booklet

Table of Contents Page
4
Master of Architecture Thesis Acknowledgments
Thanks to the many, many people for helping

directly and indirectly, in large ways and in small
gestures to make the journey of completing this
degree what it was. Life is the culmination of many
moments, so thank you for being a part of this one.
MIT Architecture
To my family, each of my classmates and peers,

my professors, the administrators, the custodians,
the people I’ve passed on the street: thank you.
Nabiha, thank you for being steadfast.
Ammar, thank you for the constant criticality.
Nasser, thank you for many laughs, arguments,

and discussions.
Acknowledgments Page
5
Joey Swerdlin © 2019 MIT Architecture Master of Architecture Thesis
Thesis Book Photographs Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
thesis book.
6
This document contains the print pages of the
7
and References.
8
Setup, Plans, Sections, Isometrics, Scenes,
The thesis book is subdivided into six booklets:
9
document.
10
The six booklets make up the chapters of this
11
Master of Architecture Thesis
Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy redresses

Booklet Cover Page two issues–one social, one spacial–
by providing space, shelter, and
services for LGBTQ youth on
New York City-owned vacant lots.
BUILDING AGAINST VACANCY

MIT Architecture
SETUP
Setup Book Page
ThesisBook_07_Covers.indd 7 12 1/15/19 4:56 AM


Title Page two issues–one social, one spacial–

MIT Architecture
SETUP
Setup Book Page
ThesisBook_01_Setup.indd 1 13 1/16/19 12:51 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Setup

Committee Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Prof. Nasser Rabbat

Thesis Advisor
MIT Architecture
Prof. Meejin Yoon

Thesis Reader
Prof. Brent Ryan

Thesis Reader
Setup Book Page


Blank Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
MIT Architecture
Setup Book Page


Thesis Comments Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Building Against Vacancy redresses two issues–one social,

one spacial–by providing space, shelter, and services for
LGBTQ youth on New York City-owned vacant lots. This set of
booklets serve to describe this project through various forms
MIT Architecture
of architectural representation; each shedding light on different

aspects of the design. The left pages hold a crafted artifact. On
the right ways of thinking or seeing that artifact are offered.
The investment in research on socially marginalized groups

of people and searching for architectural responses to social
issues is the basis of this thesis. This work was created in the
belly of the whale though; an isolated journey. It is my hope
to continue pursuing this type of work by collaborating with
community organizers, activists and like-minded architects,
urban planners, and designers.
In the presentation below, a historical analysis of real estate

and queer culture in Harlem is constructed to argue for the
necessity of this project.
Setup Book Page


Acknowledgments Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Thanks to many, many people for helping directly and

indirectly, in large ways and in small gestures to make this
journey what it was. Whatever it is, it wouldn’t be without you.
MIT Architecture
To my family, Nabiha, each of my classmates and my

professors, both at MIT and UB, the administrators, the
custodians, the people I pass on the street: thank you.
Nasser, thank you for many laughs, arguments, and

discussions. I’ve learned so much from you.
Setup Book Page


Presentation Title Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Joey Swerdlin 2018 © Thesis Thesis

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
MIT Architecture
BUILDING AGAINST
AGIANST VACANCY
Setup Book Page


Annotated Text Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
''
MIT Architecture
Hello. My name is Joey and today I’m presenting my thesis

titled, “Building Against Vacancy.”
''
Setup Book Page


NYC Vacancies Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Old Law Size Vacancy

Site
MIT Architecture
Setup Book Page


''
Over 1300 vacant, City-owned lots are sprinkled throughout

New York’s five boroughs.1
MIT Architecture
''
''
Curiously, these lots are clustered in tight areas around

the City that highlight neighborhoods historically populated
by people of color including Chinatown, East New York,
Brownsville, the South Bronx, and Harlem.
''
Setup Book Page
1 “Home | Living Lots NYC,” 596 Acres, accessed March 6,

2018, https://livinglotsnyc.org/#16/40.8233/-73.9418.
9


Harlem Renaissance Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide
Harlem Renaissance Slide Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
MIT Architecture
REAL ESTATE
BUILDING AGIANST VACANCY

Countee Cullen Ethel Waters Langston Hughes Gladys Bentley
LGBTQ CULTURE
Harlem Renaissance
1920 1930 1940 “Ma” Rainey

1950 1960 1970 Alberta Hunter
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
10


''
Harlem in the 1920s and 30s was defined by a vibrant,
creative community self-identified as the “New Negro
MIT Architecture
Movement” and today known as the “Harlem Renaissance.”

Very present within this group of creatives were people who
didn’t follow the norms of gender identity and sexuality.2 Many
were forced to lead doubles lives though as homosexuality
looked down upon by society at large. They maintained public
heterosexual personas while pursuing parters of the same sex
privately in spaces more open to these expressions including
bathhouses, piers, parks, bars, and drag balls.3 With increased
criminalization of homosexuality in the late 1930s though,
many of these spaces were closed.4 ''
2 Linda Villarosa, “The Gay Harlem Renaissance,” The

Root, July 23, 2011, https://www.theroot.com/the-gay-harlem-
renaissance-1790864926.
3 Ibid.
4 Steven J. Niven, “Blues Singer Gladys Bentley Broke

Setup Book Page
Ground With Marriage to a Woman in 1931,” The Root,

February 11, 2015, https://www.theroot.com/blues-singer-
gladys-bentley-broke-ground-with-marriage-1790858771.
11


HOLC Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Best
Still Desirable
Definitely Declining
Hazardous
MIT Architecture
Setup Book Page
12


''
At the same time, draftsmen were busily crafting a series

damning maps for cities across the US. These “risk maps”
were drawn by the Home Owner’s Loan Corporation from
1935 to 1940 on behalf of the US government to guide the
allocation of funds from the New Deal for the development
of housing.5 Through systematic mappings, low-income
neighborhoods (that highly correlated with populations of color)
became the targets of disinvestment. This practice became
MIT Architecture
known as Redlining.
''
''
As you can see, the majority of Harlem was deemed

“Hazardous.”
''
5 Robert K. Nelson, LaDale Winling, Richard Marciano,

Nathan Connolly, et al., “Mapping Inequality,” American
Panorama, ed. Robert K. Nelson and Edward L. Ayers,
Setup Book Page
accessed January 14, 2019, https://dsl.richmond.edu/

panorama/redlining/#loc=14/42.3745/-71.1165&opacity=0.8&ci
ty=cambridge-ma&text=bibliograph.
13


HOLC + Vacancies Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Best
Still Desirable
Hazardous
Vacancies
Site
MIT Architecture
Setup Book Page
14


''
MIT Architecture
The location of the vacancies seen around New York City

today heavily correlates with the Hazardous zones outlined by
the HOLC maps.
''
Setup Book Page
15


Building Decline Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Joey Swerdlin 2018 © Thesis Final Review

Building Decline Slide Thursday, December 20, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
HOLC “Risk Maps” Urban Renewal Act Forclosed Properties
REAL ESTATE
MIT Architecture
Harlem, 1978. Photograph

LGBT CULTURE
by Mr Alain Le Garsmeur/
Harlem Renaissance Getty Images
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide
LGBT Community Slide Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
REAL ESTATE
LGBTQ CULTURE
Harlem Renaissance Modern House-Ball
Pose, Episode 1
Culture Rises
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
16


''
Rather than being the beneficiaries of the rebuilding

implemented by the New Deal, buildings in the hazardous-
rating areas were left to disrepair by their owners.6
MIT Architecture
''
''
In the 60s and 70s, some of these spaces provided low-rent

housing options for chosen families, or groups of people who
are not biologically related but share close social bonds.
''
6 Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy,

Setup Book Page
“Housing Policy in New York City: A Brief History,” Accessed

January 14, 2019, http://furmancenter.org/files/publications/
AHistoryofHousingPolicycombined0601_000.pdf.
17


House-Ball Culture Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
REAL ESTATE

MIT Architecture
LGBTQ CULTURE
Ball-walker in front of judges,
Culture Rises
Paris is Burning
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
REAL ESTATE
LGBTQ CULTURE
Damon Evangelista and
Culture Rises
Mother Blanca Evangelista,
Pose
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
18


''
In Harlem, many of these chosen families, called “Houses”,

were formed through the rise of modern House-Ball culture, an
indirect descendant of the Harlem Renaissance Drag Balls.7
MIT Architecture
''
''
In addition to leading their Houses when competing in Balls,

“House Mothers” and “House Fathers” serve as guardians for
their “House Children,” taking care of them through the myriad
challenges faced by youth who identify along the gender and
sexuality spectra.8
''
7 Frank Leon Roberts, “There’s No Place Like Home: A History

of House Ball Culture,” Transgriot, February 18, 2008, https://
transgriot.blogspot.com/2008/02/theres-no-place-like-home-
Setup Book Page
history-of.html.
8. Ibid.
19


LGBTQ Youth Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
REAL ESTATE

MIT Architecture
LGBTQ CULTURE
Harlem Renaissance Pepper Labeija, Modern House-Ball
Culture Rises Two youth outside of a Ball
Mother of House of Labeija
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
REAL ESTATE
LGBTQ CULTURE
Culture Rises
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
20


''
Pepper Labeija, Legendary Mother of the House of Labeija
describes the role of the “House” in queer youth’s lives in
Paris is Burning:
When someone has rejections from their mother and father, their
family. When they get out into the world, they search for someone
to fill the void. I know this for experience, because I’ve had kids
come to me and latch hold to me like I’m their mother or like I’m
their father. ‘Cause they can talk to me and I’m gay and they’re
gay and that’s where a lot of that “ballness” and the mother
MIT Architecture
business comes in. Because their real parents give them such a
hard way to go, they look up to me to fill that void.9
''
''
This still rings true today, as the 7 percent of youth that

identify as LGBTQ make up 40 percent of the homeless youth
population in New York.10
''
9 Pepper Labeija, in Paris is Burning, Netflix, directed by

Jennie Livingston, New York (Art Matters, Inc., 1990).
Setup Book Page
10 True Colors Fund, “Our Issue,” accessed January 14, 2019,

https://truecolorsfund.org/our-issue/.
21


Building Decline Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

Penultimate
Final Review
Title SlideDecline Slide
Building Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
MIT Architecture

REAL ESTATE
Jackie Jobinson Park
BUILDING AGIANST VACANCY Lot 13, Block 2045
145th Street
LGBT CULTURE
Harlem Renaissance Frederick Douglass
Photo by Camilo Jose Vergara Boulevard
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
22


''
MIT Architecture
While ball-culture was filling voids in the lives of youth, new

urban voids were being developed around the City. The City’s
population began to decrease rapidly and many of buildings
were abandoned.11
''
Setup Book Page
11 Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy.

23


NYC Acquisition Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

Penultimate
Final Review
Building Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
MIT Architecture

REAL ESTATE
LGBT CULTURE
Harlem Renaissance
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
24


''
MIT Architecture
This led the Department of Housing, Preservation, and

Development to begin taking ownership of thousands of
properties through tax foreclosure, including the acquisition of
875 properties across the City in 1976. Lot 13 in Block 2045 in
Harlem was acquired by the City at this time.12
''
Setup Book Page
12 The City of New York, issued by Ivan E. Irizarry, Forclosure

and Acquisition Notice, April 28, 1976, p 23.
25


Building Erasure Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

Penultimate
Final Review
Building Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
MIT Architecture

REAL ESTATE
145th Street
LGBT CULTURE
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
26


''
MIT Architecture
Under the City’s ownership, the deterioration of these buildings

continued until they needed to be demolished.13
''
Setup Book Page
13 Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy.

27


Market Rate Dev. Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

Penultimate
Final Review
Building Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
MIT Architecture

REAL ESTATE
145th Street
LGBT CULTURE
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
28


''
MIT Architecture
Some of these lots were bundled together and sold to

developers for nearly nothing and often developed for market-
rate housing.
''
Setup Book Page
29


Empty Lots Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

Penultimate
Final Review
Building Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
REAL ESTATE

MIT Architecture
LGBT CULTURE
Harlem Renaissance
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide Slide
Opportunity Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
Block 2045,
HOLC “Risk Maps”
Lots 13 + 14 Urban Renewal Act Forclosed Properties
REAL ESTATE
LGBTQ CULTURE
Harlem Renaissance Modern House-Ball HIV/AIDS First Reported
Culture Rises
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
30


''
In other cases, the local communities were able to organize

and gain access to these lots, turning them into gardens and
grow spaces.14
MIT Architecture
''
''
Over a third though, have simply remained empty,

inaccessible, and unused.15
''
Setup Book Page
14 596 Acres.
15 Ibid.
31


Zoning Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide Slide
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
REAL ESTATE

MIT Architecture
LGBTQ CULTURE
Harlem Renaissance Modern House-Ball HIV/AIDS First Reported
Culture Rises
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide Slide
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875 Small Lots NYC
Code
Guidelines: Urban Renewal Act Forclosed Properties Competition
Occupancy Configuration
REAL ESTATE

Lot Size: 25 ft x 112.5 ft
Lot Area: 2,812.5 sf
Zoning Floor Area: 28.12.5 sf x 7.02 = 19,740 sf
Number of Floors: 9
Number of Apartments: 19,740 sf / 680 = 29 units
LGBTQ CULTURE
Vertical Circulation Area per Story: 275 sf
Vertical Circulation Area Total: 2,457 sf
Harlem Renaissance
Unit Area Total: 17,283 sf
Average Area per Unit: 596 sf

Modern House-Ball HIV/AIDS First Reported
Culture Rises
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
32


''
Many of the lots that have remained undeveloped are difficult

to develop due to their narrow, Old Law, size, a leftover of the
1811 griding of Manhattan Island.
MIT Architecture
''
''
In addition, restrictive zoning laws with parking and offset

requirements make them even more difficult to design
for, including the requirement of parking spaces and a 30’
backyard offset.16
''
Setup Book Page
16 NYC Planning, “Residence Districts: R8 - R8A - R8B -R8X,”

2019, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/zoning/districts-tools/
r8.page.
33


Adjacent Vacancies Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
MIT Architecture
Path
Grass
Plant Boxes
Vegetation
Paved
Setup Book Page
34


''
Many of these lots sit adjacent to other vacant lots, sometimes

owned by the City and sometimes owned privately. This
creates a unique situation where a building can have the ability
to take advantage of light, air, and access while the neighbor is
missing, yet anticipate its arrival.
MIT Architecture
''
''
The City has recently also recognized the opportunity

that these sites hold and is preparing to launch an ideas
competition for these difficult-to-develop lots in January.17
''
Setup Book Page
17 NYC Department of Housing Preservation and

Development, “Big Ideas for Small Lots,” 2018, https://
urbaninfilldesigncompetition.cityofnewyork.us.
35


Title + Rezoning Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
BUILDING AGAINST
AGIANST VACANCY
MIT Architecture

Penultimate
Final Review
Title Slide Facility Slide
Community Thursday,
Friday, November
December 20,
25, 2018
NYC Acquires 875
Code
Guidelines: Urban Renewal Act Forclosed Properties
Occupancy Configuration
REAL ESTATE
COMMUNITY FACILITY
BUILDING AGIANST
No Parking VACANCY
Required
20’ Backyard Setback Lot Size: 25 ft x 112.5 ft
Lot Area: 2,812.5 sf
Zoning Floor Area: 28.12.5 sf x 7.02 = 19,740 sf
Number of Floors: 9
Number of Apartments: 19,740 sf / 680 = 29 units
LGBTQ CULTURE
Vertical Circulation Area per Story: 275 sf
Vertical Circulation Area Total: 2,457 sf
Harlem Renaissance
Unit Area Total: 17,283 sf
Modern House-Ball HIV/AIDS First Reported Same-Sex Marriage
Average Area per Unit: 596 sf Idea pioneered by Team R8
Culture Rises Legalized
for Making Room NYC.
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Setup Book Page
36


''
These sites should act to preserve non-dominant forms
of culture, expression, and living. This thesis, sited at
2733 Frederick Douglass Boulevard seeks to do this. The
architectural proposal is driven by two motivations dealing with
the interior and exterior of the building. The former redresses
an injustice towards the marginalized LGBTQ homeless youth
community in New York City by providing shelter, services,
and housing for LGBTQ homeless youth aged 16 to 24. The
MIT Architecture
second is to create an anticipatory design that can connect

with or be isolated from a neighboring structure.
''
''
To most effectively tackle the interior on these tight lots, a

zoning change is proposed. Community Facilities do not have
parking requirements and allow for more developable space
given the reduced backyard requirement.18
''
18 Team R8, “The Pleasures Of Density: Flexible Single And

Setup Book Page
Shared Housing On The Grand Concourse,” for Making Room,

organized by Citizens Housing & Planning Council, 2013,
https://makingroomnyc.com/category/design-proposals/.
37


Possible Futures Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Best
Still Desirable
Hazardous
Vacancies
Site
MIT Architecture
Setup Book Page
38


''
MIT Architecture
This proposal is one possible solution in trying to redress

an injustice by linking a spatial injustice to a social injustice.
Across New York, there are approximately 450 other sites that
this proposal could claim.
''
Setup Book Page
39



MIT Architecture
PLANS
Plans Book Page



MIT Architecture
PLAN DRAWINGS
Plans Book Page
ThesisBook_02_PlanDrawings.indd 1 53 1/16/19 12:50 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Plans

Prof. Nasser Rabbat

Thesis Advisor
MIT Architecture
Prof. Meejin Yoon

Thesis Reader
Prof. Brent Ryan

Thesis Reader
Plans Book Page


MIT Architecture
Plans Book Page


Drawing Comments Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
In the proposal, the City funds the development of a homeless

LGBTQ youth service and housing program. The architecture
takes cues from current shelter practices by providing food,
clothing, counseling, and clinical support but adds to this the
MIT Architecture
organic, nurturing social structure of Ball-Houses.
The plans detail how this organization works.

Plans Book Page


MIT Architecture
Plans Book Page


Floor 1 Plan Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Backyard Chill Spot
Backyard Chill Spot

MIT Architecture
Share
Share Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast
and Dinner
Kitchen
Kitchen
Stairs to
Public
Stairs to Public Services
Services
Window
Chill Spot
Emergency Egress Window Chill Spot
Entry
Street Entry
Egress
Plans Book Page
Ground Level
1:100
North


Description Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
''
MIT Architecture
The entry level offers an open, public face to the community.

Counselors at the front desk are able to assist youth who
come in and help them get set up with the services they need.
In the back of building, a kitchen and dining area provide
space for sharing meals. The backyard is a serene place
for hanging out, getting a breath of fresh air, or hosting a
barbecue.
''
Plans Book Page


Counseling Clinic/AIDS Testing

MIT Architecture
Counseling Clinic/AIDS Testing
Emergency Clothing Storage
Clothing
Storage
Atrium
Chill Spot
Light Shaft Atrium Waiting

Area
Waiting Area
Another Light Shaft Atrium

Stairs to Ground Level
Another
Atrium
Chill Spot Stairs to
Ground Level
Exterior Terrace
Exterior Terrace Admin Office Admin Office

Plans Book Page
Ground Level Level 2

1:100 1:100
North North


''
MIT Architecture
On the second floor are rooms for clinical support, counseling,

administrative offices, and clothing storage. In the common
areas, two building-height atria are accessible. These light
shafts are a reinterpretation of the New Law Tenement air
shafts. With more space and better light through the use of a
curtain wall, all of the interior spaces receive natural light and
fresh air.
''
Plans Book Page


Two Bedroom Emergency Unit

Single/Double Single/Double
Occupancy Room Occupancy Room
MIT Architecture
Communal Living
Communal Living Space
Space
This level is almost the

same as Level 7, but...
Homework
Station
(Home)work Station
Private Chill
Spot Private Chill Spot
Single/Double Single/Double
Occupancy Room Occupancy Room

Plans Book Page
Level 2 Level 3
1:100 1:100
North North
10


''
MIT Architecture
On the third, fourth, and fifth floors are living spaces for youth
in immediate need of housing. Youth may share a room with a
buddy and a bathroom with up to three others. These rooms
are located at the ends of the building to take advantage of
the best light and air. Common spaces between these units
offer work spaces, chill zones, and computer access. Since
breakfast and dinner is communal, there’s no need for in-unit
kitchens.
''
Plans Book Page
11


One Bedroom Emergency Unit

MIT Architecture
Single/Double Studio
Atrium Overlook

Atrium Overlook
Atrium Overlook
Single/Double Studio
Communal
Kitchen for
Raman
One Bedroom Emergency Unit Communal Kitchenette

Plans Book Page
Level 3 Level 4
1:100 1:100
North North
12


''
MIT Architecture
On the fourth level, the common space is connected to the

ends of the building, letting morning daylight reach deep into
the interior. An interior atrium connects all three levels of the
shelter housings visually and aurally. One this level, a cooking
space can be used for special meals and snacks.
''
Plans Book Page
13



MIT Architecture

Atrium Overlook
Similar to Level 3 but with

atrium overlook!
Atrium Overlook
Two Bedroom Emergency Unit Communal Kitchenette

Plans Book Page
Level 4 Level 5
1:100 1:100
North North
14


''
MIT Architecture
The fifth floor is much like the third, but has a view down to the
two other common spaces below.
''
Plans Book Page
15


Ground Level
1:100
North
MIT Architecture
Director’s Suite
Director’s Suite
Extra high 12’ ceiling on this level

This level features high
ceilings for group activities.
Space for Activities
Space for Activities

Roof Terrace!
Roof Terrace
Plans Book Page
Level 6
1:100
North
16


''
MIT Architecture
The sixth floor includes a special two bedroom suite for the
director of the house on the western half. On the other end, an
open space can be used for house-wide events, or even public
events. A terrace provides an opportunity to look down upon
the street life and people watch while enjoying the sunshine on
a nice day.
''
Plans Book Page
17


Ground Level Level 2
1:100 1:100
North North
MIT Architecture
Two Bedroom Unit
1/2 Bedroom Unit
This level is for LGBTQ

millenials who want to
mentor younger kids.
Studio Unit
Studio Unit
Plans Book Page
Level 6 Level 7
1:100 1:100
North North
18


''
MIT Architecture
The seventh to tenth floors provide subsidized housing

for older youth who need an affordable, low-rent situation
but want a bit more independence. These studio and two
bedroom options provide units for people who live in a variety
of situations including singles, chosen families, friends, or
polyamorous groups.
''
Plans Book Page
19


Level 2 Level 3
1:100 1:100
North North
MIT Architecture
Two Bedroom Unit
This level is almost the

same as Level 7, but...
Studio Unit
A “landscape of leisure” ...the studio features a
‘landscape of leisure” inspired
by Joel Sanders
inspired by Joel Sanders

Plans Book Page
Level 7 Level 8
1:100 1:100
North North
20


''
MIT Architecture
Units on the eighth level offer a ‘landscape of leisure’ inspired

by Joel Sanders where the bathroom opens into the living
space to allow the hedonism of the bath to slip into the rest of
the unit.
''
Plans Book Page
21


Level 3 Level 4
1:100 1:100
North North
MIT Architecture
This level is the same as

Level 7 except the
This level is the same as
Level 7 except the windows
moved!
windows moved!
These ones too! These ones,

too
Plans Book Page
Level 8 Level 9
1:100 1:100
North North
22


''
MIT Architecture
In addition to paying a subsidized rent, these residents provide

mentorship and social support to the more at-risk youth living
in the shelter housing below. This mentorship is modeled
on the House-Ball relationships formed between “Mothers,”
“Fathers,” and their “Children.”
''
Plans Book Page
23


Level 4 Level 5
1:100 1:100
North North
MIT Architecture
Repeat of Level 8
Repeat of Level 8.
Plans Book Page
Level 9 Level 10
1:100 1:100
North North
24


''
MIT Architecture
These units all are inherently queer spaces; spaces where

people are able to chose their own ways of living and do not
have to be afraid of not conforming to the heteronormative
standards that exist across contemporary housing.
''
Plans Book Page
25


Level 5
1:100
North
Planters
Planters
MIT Architecture
Mechanical Penthouse
Mechanical Penthouse
Roof Chill Spot and Outlook

Roof
Chill Spot
Plans Book Page
Level 10 Roof
1:100 1:100
North North
26


''
MIT Architecture
On the roof level, grow boxes are provided for maintaining

fresh vegetable and herb gardens. Fresh food is an important
piece healthy living. In addition, engaging with the agricultural
process is a tried clinical method for helping youth work
through personal, mental, and physical health challenges.
''
Plans Book Page
27



MIT Architecture
SECTIONS
Sections Book Page



MIT Architecture
SECTION DRAWINGS
Sections Book Page
ThesisBook_03_SectionDrawings.indd 1 81 1/16/19 12:50 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Sections

Prof. Nasser Rabbat

Thesis Advisor
MIT Architecture
Prof. Meejin Yoon

Thesis Reader
Prof. Brent Ryan

Thesis Reader
Sections Book Page


MIT Architecture
Sections Book Page


Comments Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
The sections demonstrate the way in which light and air

enter the interiors. They also detail how the program within
the building is organized and how spaces are connected
vertically. “Easter Eggs” and subtle references to other works
MIT Architecture
of architecture are sprinkled throughout these drawings.

Look closely.
Sections Book Page


MIT Architecture
Sections Book Page


Short Section Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
+116’ - 0”
A roof terrace provides private sun access

as well as grow boxes for gardening.
Level 10
+106’ - 0”
Roof Terrace and Grow Space
Resident Only Access
Level 9
+96’ - 0”
Studio and 1 Bedroom Units
Level 8
+86’ - 0”
Subsidized studio units

providing housing for LGBTQ mentors.
Level 7
+76’ - 0”
MIT Architecture
Steel beams in the floors span between

shear walls enclosing the bedroom areas
and the building’s core.
Level 6
+66’ - 0”
Planters
Level 5
A brise soleil shades sunlight
+53’ - 0”
on the south facade while creating
Communal Activity Space
a party wall boundary that could be
Director Suite
infilled, should a neighbor build to
the lot line.
Level 5
+43’ - 0”
Single and Double Occupancy Shelter Rooms
Level 4
+33’ - 0”
Prefabricated, fire proof stud walls

An interior atrium connects
fill in the party wall.
the shelter housing levels.
If the neighbor builds to the lot line,
these panels will remain and
the openings will be filled.
Level 3
+23’ - 0”
Single and Double occupancy shelter rooms
Communal living space
Level 2 Counseling services An exterior terrace

+13’ - 0” are provided here. connects the lower
Counseling, Clinical, and Administrative offices public space to the street. The full building community
Front terrace; exterior atrium enjoys access to the party wall
Full building community access exterior atrium.
A variance in the zoning code is
proposed to create this space.
Level 1
Sections Book Page
+0’ - 0”
Counselor/Mentor Front Desk
Community Kitchen and Dining Area
Level 1
+0’ - 0”
0’ 25’


''
MIT Architecture
Southern light reaches all levels of the building, passing

through the brise-soleil, into the light shaft, and past the
interior curtain wall. This atrium, accessible on the second
floor, spatially connects a visiting clinic patient to the long-term
rent-subsidized residents on the top level. Two interior atria in
the three sheltering housing levels stitch Levels 3 through 5
together through the communal living areas.
''
Sections Book Page

Level 8
+86’ - 0”


Level 7
+76’ - 0”


Level 6
+66’ - 0”
Short Section Detail Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Level 5
+53’ - 0”
Director Suite
the lot line.
Level 5
+43’ - 0”
MIT Architecture
Level 4
+33’ - 0”

the shelter housing levels.
If the neighbor builds to the lot line,
these panels will remain and
the openings will be filled.
Level 3
+23’ - 0”
Communal living space
Level 2 Counseling services An exterior terrace

+13’ - 0” are provided here. connects the lower
Counseling, Clinical, and Administrative offices public space to the street. The full building community
Front terrace; exterior atrium enjoys access to the party wall
Full building community access exterior atrium.
A variance in the zoning code is
proposed to create this space.
Sections Book Page
Level 1
+0’ - 0”
8
0’ 25’


Short Section Detail Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
+116’ - 0”
A roof terrace provides private sun access

as well as grow boxes for gardening.
Level 10
+106’ - 0”
Roof Terrace and Grow Space
Level 9
+96’ - 0”
MIT Architecture
Level 8
+86’ - 0”

Level 7
+76’ - 0”

Level 6
+66’ - 0”
Sections Book Page
Level 5
+53’ - 0”
Director Suite
the lot line.
Level 5
+43’ - 0”
Level 4
+33’ - 0”


Long Section Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
+116’ - 0”
Level 10
+106’ - 0”
Roof Terrace and Grow Space Space for yoga.
Level 9
+96’ - 0”
Level 8
+86’ - 0”
Level 7
+76’ - 0”
MIT Architecture
Studio unit. Two bedroom unit.
Level 6
+66’ - 0”
The director of the building gets a special suite

situated in the center of the building.
Level 5
+53’ - 0”
Director Suite
Level 5
+43’ - 0”
Communal living spaces offer safe social areas for just being without being judged.
Level 4
+33’ - 0”
Single or do
Level 3
+23’ - 0”
Communal living space Shelter housing provides refuge and a nurturing
Resident Only Access community for homeless LGBTQ youth.
Level 2
+13’ - 0”
The second level provides space for counseling, clinical services, clothing storage, and administrative
Counseling, Clinical, and Administrative offices
offices. Access to exterior terraces and atria offer fresh air for challenging situations.
Front terrace; exterior atrium
Full building community access
When new youth drop in, trained counselors

and mentors will meet with them,

offering services as needed.
Sections Book Page
Level 1
+0’ - 0”
0’ 12’ - 2” 22’ - 0” 34’ - 6” 38’ - 0”

An egress that empties into an interior
space must be less than 40’ from an exit.
10


Long Section Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Space for yoga.

MIT Architecture

Single or double occupancy rooms.
Shelter housing provides refuge and a nurturing

community for homeless LGBTQ youth.


Sections Book Page
A backyard offers a place to get away and reset or host a summer BBQ.
12’ - 2” 22’ - 0” 34’ - 6” 38’ - 0” 92’ - 6” 112’ - 6”

An egress that empties into an interior Community Facilities are required to have a 20’ backyard,
space must be less than 40’ from an exit. rather than the 30’ required by regular zoning.
11


MIT Architecture
Sections Book Page
12


''
The ground and second level provide emergency services for
homeless LGBTQ youth. Levels 3 through 5 provide shelter
MIT Architecture
housing for youth without housing. Level 6 holds the directors

suite and a communal and rentable activity space. Levels 7
though 10 have studio and two bedroom units for a subsidized
rent. The roof terrace offers views of the city and space for
growing veggies and herbs.
The central core provides vertical circulation to the entire

building. It also leaves the ends east and west ends of the
building open for bedroom spaces to receive the most direct
light and air. ''
Sections Book Page
13

Level 8
+86’ - 0”

Level 7
+76’ - 0”
Studio unit.

Long Section Detail Page
Level 6
+66’ - 0”
Level 5
+53’ - 0”
Director Suite
Level 5
+43’ - 0”
MIT Architecture
Level 4
+33’ - 0”
Level 3
+23’ - 0”
Communal living space Shelter housing provides refuge and a nurturing
Resident Only Access community for homeless LGBTQ youth.
Level 2
+13’ - 0”
Counseling, Clinical, and Administrative offices
Front terrace; exterior atrium
Full building community access

Sections Book Page
Level 1
+0’ - 0”
14
0’ 12’ - 2” 22’ - 0” 34’ - 6” 38’ - 0”
An egress that empties in
space must be less than 4


Long Section Detail Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

MIT Architecture
Shelter housing provides refuge and a nurturing

community for homeless LGBTQ youth.

Sections Book Page
12’ - 2” 22’ - 0” 34’ - 6” 38’ - 0”

An egress that empties into an interior
space must be less than 40’ from an exit.

Thursday, January 17, 2019 Two bedroom unit.


MIT Architecture

Sections Book Page
A backyard offers a place to get away and reset or host a summer BBQ.
16
92’ - 6” 112’ - 6”
Community Facilities are required to have a 20’ backyard,
rather than the 30’ required by regular zoning.


+116’ - 0”
Level 10
+106’ - 0”
Roof Terrace and Grow Space Space for yoga.
MIT Architecture
Level 9
+96’ - 0”
Level 8
+86’ - 0”
Level 7
+76’ - 0”
Studio unit.
Level 6
+66’ - 0”

Sections Book Page
17
Level 5
+53’ - 0”
Director Suite
Level 5
+43’ - 0”

Space for yoga.

MIT Architecture

Sections Book Page


MIT Architecture
Two bedroom unit.

Sections Book Page

19



MIT Architecture
ISOMETRICS
Isometrics Book Page



MIT Architecture
ISOMETRIC DRAWINGS
ThesisBook_04_IsometricDrawings.indd 1 101 1/16/19 12:49 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Isometrics

Prof. Nasser Rabbat

Thesis Advisor
MIT Architecture
Prof. Meejin Yoon

Thesis Reader
Prof. Brent Ryan

Thesis Reader


MIT Architecture


The isometric drawings describe the structure and different

facade systems. These systems allow the building to use the
light and air accessible to the narrow lot while the neighbor is
missing as well as when it arrives. The adaptability of these
MIT Architecture
systems allow for different scenarios to play out when the

neighboring building is constructed.


MIT Architecture


All Facades Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
Party wall acts like

a brise-soleil.
Shear Walls
Concrete Core
Prefabricated, fire proof
stud walls make up
the party wall.
MIT Architecture
If the neighbor
builds to the lot
line, the
openings
will be filled.
If the neighbor
builds decides
to share the core,
the walls can be
removed.
Concrete Shear
Walls form the
Primary Structure.
Brick Facade
Construction and Phasing

1:200


''
MIT Architecture
The building is structured by four reinforced concrete shear

walls that located at the four edges of the building, along the
two side lot lines. A central reinforced concrete core adds
further stabilization. Reinforced concrete floor slabs span
between the shear walls and core.
The east and west facades are filled in with prefabricated,

adaptable wall systems while the south and north facades are
clad with permanent brick.
''


Fixed Facade Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

a brise-soleil.
Shear Walls
Concrete Core
stud walls make up
the party wall.
MIT Architecture
If the neighbor
builds to the lot
line, the
openings
will be filled.
Brick Facade
If the neighbor
builds decides
to share the core,
the walls can be
removed.
Concrete Shear
Walls form the
Primary Structure.
Brick Facade

1:200


''
MIT Architecture
The east and west facades face the street and the block’s
interior, respectively. Using the same elevation, they offer the
same face, both publicly and the privately. The banality of the
elevation from the street is offset by the bespoke details of
each opening. The close observer will find things aren’t always
as they seem; intrigue is found in irregularity.
''


Adaptable Facade Page Thursday, January 17, 2019

a brise-soleil.
Shear Walls
Concrete Core
stud walls make up
the party wall.
MIT Architecture
If the neighbor
builds to the lot
line, the
openings
will be filled.
If the neighbor
builds decides
to share the core,
the walls can be
removed.
Concrete Shear
Walls form the
Primary Structure.
Brick Facade

1:200
10


''
MIT Architecture
The south and north facades face the existing and forthcoming
adjacent neighbors, respectively. These facades are
adaptable. Constructed of fire-proof panels that span from
floor to ceiling on each level, these facades are punctured with
generous openings that allow light and air to pass through. On
the south facade, the New-Law Tenement air-shaft is enlarged
and modernized using a full-building height curtain wall offset
six feet from the lot line (double the New-Law size). The
adaptable facade system acts as a brise-soleil.
''
11


Facade Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
MIT Architecture
12


''
MIT Architecture
While the neighboring lot is empty, the south facade has

access to light and air.
''
13


Closed Facade Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
MIT Architecture
14


''
MIT Architecture
When the neighboring lot is developed, there are a couple of

possible outcomes on the north facade. In the first scenario,
a building is designed that architecturally disconnects from
the LGBTQ House, in which case the openings are filled with
fireproof panels. Natural light from the other openings would
still illuminate the interior.
''
15


Open Facade Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
MIT Architecture
16


''
MIT Architecture
In the second scenario, the neighbor connections to the

LGBTQ House and the interiors are integrated. The party walls
are removed from each level, and the two buildings share the
core, reducing the cost and increasing the developable area of
the neighboring building.
''
17



MIT Architecture
SCENES
Scenes Book Page



MIT Architecture
SCENE DRAWINGS
Scenes Book Page
ThesisBook_05_PerspectiveDrawings.indd 1 119 1/16/19 12:49 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Scenes

Prof. Nasser Rabbat

Thesis Advisor
MIT Architecture
Prof. Meejin Yoon

Thesis Reader
Prof. Brent Ryan

Thesis Reader
Scenes Book Page


MIT Architecture
Scenes Book Page


These perspective drawings offer a glimpse into the many lives

that this building lives itself within the city as well as the many
lives that live within and around it. Sometimes, these moments
are interesting, sometimes they’re banal, sometimes fun,
MIT Architecture
sometimes strange: just like life itself.

Scenes Book Page


MIT Architecture
Scenes Book Page


Scene 1 Thursday, January 17, 2019
MIT Architecture
Scenes Book Page
From Neighboring Vacant, City-owned Lots


''
MIT Architecture
A view from two other adjacent, City-owned vacant lots.
''
Scenes Book Page


MIT Architecture
Scenes Book Page
m Neighboring Vacant, City-owned Lots From Above


''
MIT Architecture
Drone perspective from above.
''
Scenes Book Page


MIT Architecture
Scenes Book Page
Trying to Blend In
10


''
MIT Architecture
A view from a living room across the street.
''
Scenes Book Page
11


MIT Architecture
Scenes Book Page
From Above Glimpses of the Inside
12


''
MIT Architecture
A view of the snapshots offered along the northern facade from

a living room across the other street.
''
Scenes Book Page
13


Scene 5 Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
MIT Architecture
Scenes Book Page
Glimpses of the Inside Living, Dancing
14


''
MIT Architecture
Practicing vogueing in the fourth floor common area.
''
Scenes Book Page
15


MIT Architecture
Scenes Book Page
Living, Dancing Sharing a Conversation
16


''
MIT Architecture
A House Mother and Child sharing an intimate conversation.
''
Scenes Book Page
17


MIT Architecture
Scenes Book Page
Sharing a Conversation Spending Time Alone
18


''
MIT Architecture
A House Mother looking out over the street below.
''
Scenes Book Page
19


MIT Architecture
Scenes Book Page
20


''
MIT Architecture
A moment of pause in the backyard.
''
Scenes Book Page
21



MIT Architecture
REFERENCES
References Book Page



MIT Architecture
REFERENCES
ThesisBook_06_Bibliography.indd 1 141 1/16/19 12:48 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: References

Prof. Nasser Rabbat

Thesis Advisor
MIT Architecture
Prof. Meejin Yoon

Thesis Reader
Prof. Brent Ryan

Thesis Reader


MIT Architecture


Reference Comments Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
This bibliography details the many sources that inspired

this thesis. Though not always explicitly referenced, the
consumption of these books, articles, TV shows, and
documentaries all contributed to the development of social and
MIT Architecture
architectural ideas at multiple scales.



MIT Architecture


Bibliography Page Thursday, January 17, 2019
596 Acres. “Home | Living Lots NYC.” Accessed March 6,

2018. https://livinglotsnyc.org/#16/40.8233/-73.9418.
Abloh, Virgil. “Insert Complicated Title Here.” Cambridge, MA:

Harvard Graduate School of Design and Sternberg Press,
2018.
Adams, Michael Henry. “Life Beats Art, Sugar Hill Says.” The
New York Times, March 24, 1994. http://www.nytimes.
com/1994/03/24/garden/life-beats-art-sugar-hill-says.html.
Adams, Michael Henry and Paul Rocheleau. Harlem Lost and

Found: An Architectural and Social History, 1785-1915.
MIT Architecture
New York: The Monacelli Press, 2002.
Address Report. “2737 Frederick Douglass Blvd Report:

Reviews, Complaints & Public Records.” Accessed
March 13, 2018. https://www.addressreport.com/report/
property/manhattan-ny/2737-frederick-douglass-blvd-
10039/?display=true.
Anderson, Jervis. This Was Harlem: A Cultural Portrait 1900-

1950. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 1982.
Armborst, Tobias, Riley Gold, Daniel D’Oca and Georgeen

Theodor, eds. The Arsenal of Inclusion & Exclusion. New
York: Actar Publishers: 2017.
Attie, Alice. Harlem on the Verge. New York: The Quantuck

Lane Press, 2003.
baukuh, “Notes on Contextual Architecture,” in San Rocco:

Fuck Concepts! Context!, Milan: 2013.
Engels, Friedrich. The Housing Question. Moscow: Progress

Publishers, 1970.
6


Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy. “Housing

Policy in New York City: A Brief History.” Accessed
January 14, 2019. http://furmancenter.org/files/
publications/AHistoryofHousingPolicycombined0601_000.
pdf.
Foucault, Michel. “Of Other Spaces.” In Other Spaces: The

Affair of the Heterotopia edited by Roland Ritter, and
Bernd Knaller-Vlay. Graz, Austria: Haus der Architektur,
1998.
Fullilove, Mindy Thompson. “Root Shock: The Consequences

of African American Dispossession.” Journal of Urban
MIT Architecture
Health: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine 78,

no.1 (2001): 381-389.
Geers, Kersten; Pančevac, Jelena; Zanderigo, Andrea. The

Difficult Whole: A Reference Book on Robert Venturi, John
Rauch and Denis Scott Brown. Zürich: Park Books, 2016.
“Harlem Trades Symbols of Decay for Symbols of Renewal.”

New York Times, January 6, 1994.
Hasegawa, Go. Go Hasegawa Works. Tokyo: TOTO

Publishing, 2016.
Hayden, Dolores. The Power of Place: Urban Landscapes as

Public History. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 1995.
Ingram, Gordon Brent, Anne-Marie Bouthillette, and Yolanda

Retter, eds. Queers in Space: Communities, Public

Places, Sites of Resistance. Seattle, WA: Bay Press,

1997.
Johnson, James Weldon. Black Manhattan. Reprint, New York:

Arno Press, 1968.
7


Jordenö, Sara. Kiki. Amazon Prime Video. Directed by Sara

Jordenö. Written by Sara Jordenö and Twiggy Pucci
Garcon. Stockholm, Sweden: Story AB, 2016.
Kelley, Robin D. G. “Disappearing Acts: Harlem in Transition.”

In The Suburbanization of New York edited by Jerilou
Hammett and Kingsley Hammett. New York: Princeton
Architectural Press, 2007.
Koolhaas, Rem. Delirious New York. New York: The Monacelli

Press, 1994.
Livingston, Jennie. Paris is Burning. Netflix. Directed by Jennie

MIT Architecture
Livingston. New York: Art Matters, Inc., 1990.
Martin, Reinhold; Moore, Jacob; Schindler, Susanne, ed. The

Art of Inequality: Architecture, Housing, and Real Estate,
A Provisional Report. New York: The Temple Hoyne Buell
Center for the Study of American Architecture, 2015.
Meredith, Michael; Sample, Hillary. Selected Works. New York:

Princeton Architectural Press, 2016.
“Native New Yorkers.” Accessed March 21, 2018. http://www.

newyorknature.net/Native.html.
Nelson, Robert K., LaDale Winling, Richard Marciano, Nathan

Connolly, et al. “Mapping Inequality.” American Panorama,
ed. Robert K. Nelson and Edward L. Ayers. Accessed
January 14, 2019. https://dsl.richmond.edu/panorama/
redlining/#loc=14/42.3745/-71.1165&opacity=0.8&city=ca
mbridge-ma&text=bibliograph.
New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

“Hamilton Heights/Sugar Hill Historic District Extension
Designation Report,” October 23, 2001. http://www.
8


nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/reports/HAMILTON_
HEIGHTS-SUGAR_HILL_HISTORIC_DISTRICT_
EXTENSION.pdf.
Niven, Steven J. “Blues Singer Gladys Bentley Broke Ground

With Marriage to a Woman in 1931.” The Root, February
11, 2015. https://www.theroot.com/blues-singer-gladys-
bentley-broke-ground-with-marriage-1790858771.
NYC Department of Housing Preservation and

Development. “Big Ideas for Small Lots.” 2018. https://
urbaninfilldesigncompetition.cityofnewyork.us.
MIT Architecture
NYC Planning. “Residence Districts: R8 - R8A - R8B -R8X.”

2019. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/zoning/districts-
tools/r8.page.
OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen, “Exposing

Architecture.” OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen.
Köln: Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther König, 2017.
Plunz, Richard. A History of Housing in New York City:

Dwelling Type and Social Change in the American
Metropolis. New York: Columbia University Press, 1990.
Pose. Directed by Ryan Murphy. Written by Ryan Murphy,

Brad Falchuk, and Steven Canals. FX Networks, 2018.
Riggs, Marlon. Tongues Untied. Kanopy. Directed by

Marlon Riggs. Written by Marlon Riggs. San Francisco:
Frameline, 1989.
Roberts, Frank Leon. “There’s No Place Like Home: A History

of House Ball Culture.” Transgriot, February 18, 2008.
https://transgriot.blogspot.com/2008/02/theres-no-place-
like-home-history-of.html.
9


Sanders, Joel. Joel Sanders: Writings and Projects. New York:

The Monacelli Press, 2004.
Scott Brown, Denise; Venturi, Robert; Izenour, Steve. Learning

from Las Vegas. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1977.
Team R8. “The Pleasures Of Density: Flexible Single And

Shared Housing On The Grand Concourse.” For Making
Room. Organized by Citizens Housing & Planning
Council, 2013. https://makingroomnyc.com/category/
design-proposals/.
The Eighties. “The Fight Against AIDS.” Episode 3. Produced

MIT Architecture
by Simon Brown. Herzog & Company, Home Box Office,

Playtone, June 9, 2016.
True Colors Fund. “Our Issue.” Accessed January 14, 2019.

https://truecolorsfund.org/our-issue/.
The City of New York. Issued by Ivan E. Irizarry. Forclosure

and Acquisition Notice. April 28, 1976.
“The New York City Council - File #: Res 0874-2007.”

Accessed March 21, 2018. http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/
LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=447149&GUID=1FD869C3-
C98C-4FB4-AB08-8DAF97D7C946&Options=&Search=.
“The New York City Council - File #: Res 0874-2007.”

Accessed March 21, 2018. http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/
LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=447149&GUID=1FD869C3-
C98C-4FB4-AB08-8DAF97D7C946&Options=&Search=.
Vergara, Camilo José. Harlem: The Unmaking of a Ghetto.

Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2013.
Villarosa, Linda. “The Gay Harlem Renaissance.” The Root,

10


July 23, 2011. https://www.theroot.com/the-gay-harlem-

renaissance-1790864926.
“Will Inclusionary Housing Prevent Development?”

Inclusionary Housing (blog). Accessed March 21, 2018.
https://inclusionaryhousing.org/inclusionary-housing-
explained/what-are-the-downsides/will-inclusionary-
requirements-have-a-negative-impact-on-development/.
Willis, Carol; Genervro, Rosalie. Vacant Lots. New York:

Princeton Architectural Press, 1989.
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Master of Architecture Thesis Building Against Vacancy:

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Submitted to the Department of Architecture

© 2019 Joseph Michael Swerdlin. All rights reserved.

The author hereby grants to MIT permission to reproduce

Aga Khan Professor of Architecture

Prof. Nasser Rabbat

Prof. Meejin Yoon

Prof. Brent Ryan

Submitted to the Department of Architecture on

Undesirable to their families, thousands of LGBTQ youth find themselves living on

Thesis Advisor: Nasser Rabbat

6 Thesis Book Photographs

52 Plan Drawings Booklet

80 Section Drawings Booklet

100 Isometric Drawings Booklet

118 Scene Drawings Booklet

140 References Booklet

Thanks to the many, many people for helping

To my family, each of my classmates and peers,

Nabiha, thank you for being steadfast.

Ammar, thank you for the constant criticality.

Nasser, thank you for many laughs, arguments,

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy redresses

BUILDING AGAINST VACANCY

ThesisBook_07_Covers.indd 7 12 1/15/19 4:56 AM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy redresses

BUILDING AGAINST VACANCY

ThesisBook_01_Setup.indd 1 13 1/16/19 12:51 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Setup

Prof. Nasser Rabbat

Prof. Meejin Yoon

Prof. Brent Ryan

ThesisBook_01_Setup.indd 2 14 1/16/19 12:51 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Setup

ThesisBook_01_Setup.indd 3 15 1/16/19 12:51 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Setup

Building Against Vacancy redresses two issues–one social,

of architectural representation; each shedding light on different

The investment in research on socially marginalized groups

In the presentation below, a historical analysis of real estate

ThesisBook_01_Setup.indd 4 16 1/16/19 12:51 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Setup

Thanks to many, many people for helping directly and

To my family, Nabiha, each of my classmates and my

Nasser, thank you for many laughs, arguments, and

ThesisBook_01_Setup.indd 5 17 1/16/19 12:51 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Setup

Joey Swerdlin 2018 © Thesis Thesis

ThesisBook_01_Setup.indd 6 18 1/16/19 12:51 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Setup

Hello. My name is Joey and today I’m presenting my thesis

ThesisBook_01_Setup.indd 7 19 1/16/19 12:51 PM

Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Setup

Old Law Size Vacancy

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Joey Swerdlin © 2019 Building Against Vacancy: Setup

Over 1300 vacant, City-owned lots are sprinkled throughout