Domaine is a story of duality in response to site-specific constraints. It’s the poster child for what Seattle could achieve in its quest for high quality urban density if governance were committed to community through design rather than commodity through regulation.

When traveling on Aurora Avenue between downtown Seattle and the Aurora Bridge, all that can be seen are disadvantaged properties turning their backs on the corridor. By contrast, Domaine offers graphic interest, intent and protection, adding punctuation and an experiential solution to a canyon of anonymous condos.

“It’s not the project, it’s the spaces in between,” quotes one of the designers. Resolving duality by welcoming it, the structure creates a barrier to an aggressive environment on one side, and maximizes the potential of open views to Lake Union and Seattle’s downtown skyline on the other via a series of pedestrian-friendly courtyards that step down to Sixth Avenue.

As an urban design solution, Domaine provides pedestrian priority through an inherently awkward site. The project translates a challenging area into serene, residential fabric that also prompts a useful link between the evolving neighborhoods of South Lake Union and lower Queen Anne. The site organization is key – designed to create value and public benefit.

The concept was VE-proof. Its physical manifestation – the large weave – was not compromised, even while details and materials changed. With a variety of scale, both big and small footprints, Domaine creates interest and offers a range of homes to meet a mixture of market needs.

Uploads

Images: