Introduction

This research investigates how techniques of sampling may be deployed within the architectural design process in order to provide a platform for a strong purposeful co- housing community within an urban setting. 

The Client
Common Ground Housing is an Irish based co-operative community currently in pursuit of Ireland’s first co-housing scheme. Their vision is to create both an affordable housing model as well as a new paradigm for housing and living. They hope to produce an architecture which supports a vibrant and diverse community, while at the same time being affordable, resilient and environmentally friendly. This will be a member run and owned community. Through participation of shared tasks and the use of shared facilities, it is their hope that community engagement will strengthen the bonds required to create a place full of celebration, fun and life. Currently Common Ground Housing (CGH) are planning to build in the greater area of Bray, Co. Wicklow. This research is conducted taking CGH as the theoretical client and investigates how an architecture may be created to support community living within the urban setting of Bray town.
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The Site
The Site is located at the end of Dargan Terrace in Bray. This site was selected in order to investigate the possibilities of co-housing within an urban setting.
The Method
​For the method of sampling to be effective in either architecture or music, three procedures must be followed. A context must be identified, relevant samples must be selected to address this context and the selected samples must be manipulated and compressed through design.  Research demonstrates, through the production of analytical drawings, models and empirical testing how this method may be applied.