9x18 rethinks the role of parking, proposing that these overlooked spaces can help shift the discourse around affordable housing from one of economic burden to one of economic opportunity. On NYC Housing Authority sites citywide, there is over 20 million square feet of surface-level parking, much of it vastly under-utilized.

Our project considers several ways to reclaim this valuable land, allowing it to play an active role in addressing the affordable housing crisis through reducing the burden of parking requirements on private developers, and using existing parking to generate revenue for NYCHA sites.

Because a parking space is a physical, tangible asset, 9x18 represents more than just a planning or policy proposal. It acts as a common ground for community engagement, and empowers NYCHA residents to participate in the discussion around development in their neighborhood.

Since 2014, NYCHA, the Department of City Planning, and the New York Times have embraced ‘9x18’ as they execute and address Mayor Bill DeBlasio’s ambitious affordable housing plan, a testament to the powerful role that architects can play in shaping policy and participating in major economic issues.

9x18 is a collaboration between Peterson Rich Office and Sagi Golan.

This project was supported by an Institute for Public Architecture Fellowship and featured in the organization's exhibition, 'Total Reset.'