Designed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture and built by Blue Skye Construction, The Aya, located in DC’s Ward 6, takes a modern approach to addressing homelessness.
The new building stays within the footprint of the site’s former structure, DC General, which Mayor Muriel Bowser closed “to take a very different approach to how we try to help families that are experiencing homelessness,” says Charles Allen, Ward 6 councilmember.
Its design won a 2020 Design Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and will be featured in the upcoming issue of ArchitectureDC magazine. The Aya can accommodate up to 50 families and is a short-term housing facility, one of several which took the place of DC General.
“It turns out that if you put people in environments where they can steady themselves, get the services that they need, not be tucked away in a corner… they, in fact, do steady themselves,” Bowser said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Aya.
DC General was known for its poor conditions and was in dire need of a remodel, which Bowser pledged to do and has seen the project through. The Aya has seven floors designed for families of up to about 10 people, with bathrooms, laundry rooms, community areas, and a health clinic. The building also has Wi-Fi and landline phones for residents to use.
Since the building is surrounded by public property, indoor and outdoor recreation areas were incorporated into each floor of the building. Each room has plenty of storage space and even mini fridges for occupants.
The Aya is part of Mayor Bowser’s initiative to end homelessness through Homeward DC. “The Aya embodies our DC values and serves as a reminder that when Washingtonians fall on hard times, neighbors in every ward across the district are here to help,” says Mayor Bowser. “This beautiful facility will serve as a landing spot for families that provides them with the support they need to get back to living the dignified and independent lives that they deserve.”
Families at The Aya have access to programs designed to help them get back on their feet and find stable housing. With on-site parking, administrative spaces for staff and other providers, and energy-efficient features such as a green roof, The Aya is a modern take on short-term housing in DC.
Each floor is color-coded, and the structure was designed in such that the building has no discernable front or back, yet incorporates ample natural lighting and beautiful views of the city with a terraced design.
Blue Skye Construction is honored to continue giving back to the DC community by building this expertly-designed short-term housing facility to help families struggling with homelessness.