Social Housing Models in Practice - Vienna Case Study
Presenters:
Brian Squillace, AIA, Principal, Bora Architecture & Interiors
Amanda Ufheil-Somers, Project Manager, ECOnorthwest
The December Urban Design Panel welcomes Brian Squillace, Principal of Bora Architecture & Interiors, and Amanda Ufheil-Somers, Project Manager at ECOnorthwest, to share more about Social Housing Models in practice. In September, Brian and Amanda joined a local contingent of housing professionals and thought leaders, who participated in an educational trip to Vienna, Austria to learn more about the city’s existing housing stock. Vienna’s system of housing promotion is globally recognized and one of most important tools for continuing to provide a sufficient quota of affordable dwellings despite rising demand. Today, approximately half of the Viennese population lives in subsidized dwellings – either in one of the 220,000 municipal units or in one of the 200,000 limited profit flats built with municipal subsidies. Showcasing Vienna as a primary case study of social housing, Brian and Amanda will reflect on their travel observations, and share insights on what components of a social housing framework might be explored locally.
About the Presenters:
Brian Squillace, AIA, Principal, Bora Architecture & Interiors
Brian is a design Principal whose commitment to social and community justice shapes Bora’s design ethos, resulting in inclusive built environments that engage diverse stakeholders and contexts. Viewing design as an opportunity to connect people and uplift the underserved, Brian has catalyzed and led many of Bora’s affordable housing, community development, and pro bono efforts. Augmented by his aptitude for technical execution, his passion to see healthy, equitable communities realized extends to a range of markets, including K-12 and higher education. Current projects include REACH Dartmouth Crossing, Peaceful Villa Affordable Housing, and Rosemary Anderson High School.
Amanda Ufheil-Somers, Project Manager, ECOnorthwest
Amanda Ufheil-Somers is a Project Manager at ECOnorthwest who specializes in housing planning and policy, development feasibility, and alternative land and home ownership structures such as community land trusts and real estate cooperatives. She is passionate about creative housing strategies that advance affordable and stable housing for all. At ECOnorthwest, she has contributed to projects across the West focused on local and regional housing needs, affordable housing finance, equitable transit-oriented development, and real estate strategies for generating community wealth.