Adaptive Reuse Co-living for Virginia Tech's WAAC (Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center)

Upon my arrival at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC), I experienced significant challenges in finding suitable accommodation and integrating into the community. Recognizing that many fellow students face similar difficulties, I was inspired to leverage the historical and cultural essence of Old Town Alexandria to create a solution. My thesis explores the potential of adaptive reuse to develop a co-living environment specifically designed for students. This project aims to repurpose existing structures to address the scarcity of student housing while fostering a sense of community. Situated less than eight miles from Washington, DC, WAAC offers a unique professional learning environment for Architecture and Urban Design students, characterized by its interdisciplinary, international, and individual focus. By immersing students in the rich historical and cultural context of Old Town Alexandria, the project enhances their educational experience and well-being through exposure to professional and academic opportunities in both Alexandria and Washington, DC. This adaptive reuse initiative not only revives the essence of Old Town in students' daily lives but also demonstrates how historical preservation and modern functionality can coexist, creating a dynamic and supportive living environment that enriches the student journey.