The main idea of the proposed dwelling for the (2+1) family is to create an environment where one family can share their resources with 3 other families, therefore creating a community that is the result of (2+1) x 4. The family would require private space for private functions but also communal space for community functions. Parents as well as child need access to an outdoor space to enjoy evening retreats into the air or to play. Children learn from their friends as much as from parents and teachers, so it is critical that each child have access to friends nearby to share ideas.

We propose a four-square apartment plan diagram on two levels, each level containing at least one unit of garden space. Each four-square cube measures 4m x 4m. Each family would enjoy 6 rooms with 2 gardens. Each four-square plan is grouped with three identical four-square plans to form a complete apartment community unit.

At the center of each apartment community, sliding acoustical panels can be drawn back to open the four central cubes into a 8m x 8m central space. These central cubes will also have access to the entry garden through sliding glass doors. When this central space is open and the sliding garden doors are open, air will flow through the joined apartments for ventilation in warm weather. On the lower level, this space will accommodate the child’s creative and technology space. Often he or she will need help from his or her friends. Each child will have the ability to open its wall panel to ask for advice or just to talk to its neighbor.

On the upper bedroom level, the parents will have a private garden balcony that will serve as their private retreat. The upper gardens can be opened to create an 8m x 8m garden space for parents of each family to meet and exchange ideas and experiences. Each cube has one of the following functions: nature, food, entertainment, learning (technology), sleeping, and gathering.