99 VITALIS
greek. / alive
Studio: RE-Housing NYC
Instructors: Katharina Kral | Marta Wisniewska
Team: Jihoon Kim | Yashodhan Mangukia
Program: Housing
Location: New York City, NY, United States
Area: 54,000 sq. ft.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY | ITHACA | FALL 2024
This project transforms an existing block tower into a dynamic and health-conscious living environment. Inspired by Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation, the intervention preserves the building’s generous four-room units, accentuating their double-height volumes to enhance airflow and natural illumination.
A striking new timber addition introduces a series of compact studio apartments tailored for students and young professionals, seamlessly integrating with the existing structure. The sectional strategy prioritizes movement—air circulates freely through staggered voids, light cascades into shared spaces, and occupants engage with an architecture that encourages physical activity and interaction.
By weaving together efficiency, wellness, and social connectivity, this retrofit breathes new energy into the urban fabric, setting a precedent for adaptable and sustainable residential design.







Site Section Sketch
Existing Building Photograph
Exiting Building Elements
Section through Central Atrium
Model Photograph
South Elevation
Site Model
New Units' Layout
Model Close-Up
Ex-2 | Case Study Analysis
Model Photograph
Terrace Plan
Retrofitting and Day-light Analysis
Stats
Model Close-Up
13th Floor Plan
Model Photograph
Duplex Unit Lower Floor
6th Floor Unit Plan
Model Photograph
Duplex Unit Lower Floor
Proposed Intervention
Existing Building