The Seven-Story Project Redefines the Concept of Housing for the Homeless in Washington, D.C.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has awarded international planning, architecture, engineering, interiors, and program management firm LEO A DALYand its design partner Studio Twenty Seven Architecture with a 2015 Housing Award for La Casa—the first permanent supportive housing project for the homeless in Washington, D.C. The award, which was given in the Specialized Housing category, recognizes outstanding design of housing that meets unique needs—in this case, those of the chronically homeless.
The seven-story, 34,946-square-foot building provides permanent housing and supportive services for 40 men. Rather than functioning as a temporary shelter, where residents are housed at night and asked to leave during the day, each unit is a single-person efficiency that supports stability and predictability as tenants transition out of homelessness. The men in residence participate in a variety of trainings, including life-skills, financial-management, and job-readiness.