COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
San Vicente, El Salvador
SKOLNICK was invited by New Story, an international non-profit organization committed to addressing the problem of worldwide homelessness, to design a new residential community in San Vicente, El Salvador for a group of 300 families currently living in temporary shelters by the side of a river. Facing the constant threat of flooding and eviction, the families will be able to relocate to a site near their current settlement, thereby avoiding disruption to their community networks. This relocation project is a collaboration between the National Housing Ministry, San Vicente’s Municipality, the local non-profit Gente Ayudando Gente, and New Story Charity.
Services
Site Planning
Architectural Design
Size
33.5 acres
THE SITE
The 33.5-acre site is surrounded by services, schools, commercial options, and job opportunities and is within walking distance of San Vicente’s downtown. The site master plan includes three zones of housing with 100 units each, an expansive recreation area, a new cemetery, and a future water treatment facility. A large portion of the site will be restored and preserved as ecological areas that provide protected habitats for plants, wildlife, and pollinators. The recreation area features three soccer fields, a basketball court, a large community pool, an amphitheater, and an emergency shelter space.
THE HOMES
After listening to families' needs and preferences, SKOLNICK designed the San Vicente starter homes with three bedrooms and one bath, with the capability for families to easily renovate as their needs change. Covered kitchens will be located outside of the home and each house will have a front porch and a large window facing the community to encourage social interaction with neighbors. Large windows lower to the ground can also serve as storefronts for tiendas.
“Lee - thank you so incredibly much for this excellent work. The designs are wonderful. The thoughtfulness and beauty will make this community one of the best (if not the best!) lower-income developments in El Salvador. Everyone loved working with you. Your team made this project a true priority, working with urgency, and, most importantly — made it all about the families who will live in this community.
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