A Greener Tomorrow: Modular Housing to Reconnect Communities

When I started this project, I knew I didn’t just want to build a typical house; I wanted to build a vision. I imagined a future where homes are not only functional but also help build stronger, greener communities. I’ve always been fascinated by architecture that blends modern design with sustainability, so I decided to challenge myself to create a home that felt realistic, futuristic, and connected to nature. I used Tinkercad to bring that idea to life, designing a modular, modern home with solar panels, open spaces, and features that support a healthy lifestyle, like a pool, garden, and even a basketball court.

I chose Chicago as the setting because it’s one of the biggest, most iconic cities in the U.S. It’s full of culture, history, and amazing architecture. But when you look closely at Chicago, you notice that most of the buildings are towering skyscrapers. There’s very little space that feels personal or grounded. I wanted to imagine a future where Chicago could make room for more human-centered housing, homes that focus on people, not just profit or height. My design is meant to offer an alternative: a modular house that can exist within a city but still feel like home.

This project was my way of asking: what if big cities didn’t just grow taller, what if they grew closer? What if we built homes that brought people together, supported the environment, and created space for real connection? That’s the kind of future I wanted to explore with this design, a greener tomorrow built on smarter choices and stronger communities.

To design and prototype this modular housing concept, I used the following:

1. Autodesk TinkerCAD
2. Google Maps – To understand the topography and real-world site planning in Chicago
3. Sketchbook / Pen – For initial sketches, ideas, and layout brainstorming
4. Online Reference Images – To study real-world sustainable housing and urban planning ideas
5. Laser Cutter / 3D Printer (Optional) – For building a small-scale model of the modular unit (if a physical model is being built)
6. PLA Filament / Cardboard / Foam Board – Materials for the prototype model (if used)
7. Ruler, Cutter, and Glue – For physical prototyping and model finishing touches

This project started with a simple question I asked myself: What does a truly sustainable future look like, and how can we make it feel like home? I spent a lot of time researching different housing models, tiny homes, modular setups, community-first layouts, and learning how sustainability isn’t just about solar panels and green roofs. It’s also about creating systems that support human connection, reduce resource consumption, and promote affordability in cities. I also explored Autodesk Fusion 360 tutorials and city planning concepts to make sure my design was realistic and technically strong. During this stage, I came across inspiring examples from places like the Netherlands and Tokyo that helped shape my vision.

When thinking about where to place this modular community, I didn’t want to just drop it in the middle of the already packed downtown. Instead, I looked at the outskirts of Chicago, areas where development is often slower, where bare land is still available, and where the contrast between urban sprawl and opportunity is sharp. These are often the neighborhoods that are left behind in larger city planning, but that’s exactly why they have the most potential for something new. With modular housing, the goal is not just to build homes, but to build hope, starting where it’s needed most. The open plots on the outskirts offer the perfect blank canvas, not just physically but also socially.

The land is mostly flat, unused, and disconnected from the central busyness of the city. Yet it’s close enough to be accessible and relevant. I saw an opportunity to create a bridge, both physically and symbolically, between the dense vertical growth of Chicago and the horizontal sprawl of its outer edges. Choosing this location also lets the project breathe. There’s space to build, space for green roofs, shared gardens, solar panels, walkways, and gathering spots. This isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place where people could thrive together, where sustainability could mean something real, not just a buzzword. By focusing on the fringes, we take the first step toward pulling the margins into the center of the story.

One of the biggest reasons I chose Chicago for this modular housing project is because of the visible and growing issue of homelessness in the city. While Chicago is often seen as a modern, successful urban center, with its tall glass skyscrapers and impressive skyline, many people don’t realize that thousands of residents don’t have a stable place to live. According to recent reports, tens of thousands of Chicagoans experience housing insecurity each year, and many of them are families, children, and working adults. This contrast struck me: on one side, luxurious high-rises; on the other, people sleeping on sidewalks, in shelters, or their cars. I wanted to create a design solution that directly addresses this imbalance by offering housing that is affordable, fast to build, and made for real people.

I also noticed that while many housing projects in Chicago focus on profit or luxury living, very few prioritize community, dignity, and accessibility. I believe modular housing can help shift that focus. These homes are not only cheaper and faster to construct, but they can also be designed around real human needs. Chicago has many underused spaces, especially on the outskirts of the city, where new, thoughtful communities could be built. My goal is to use these empty areas to create modular neighborhoods that are green, safe, and supportive, places where those who’ve been pushed out of the housing system can feel at home again. In a city as large and wealthy as Chicago, no one should be left behind. This project is my small attempt to imagine a better path forward.

Once I finalized the idea of creating modular housing in Chicago, I moved into the design phase of the project. This step was all about thinking creatively, but practically, I wanted to design something that felt warm and livable, not just a plain box or temporary structure. I started by sketching different layout options, paying close attention to how the space could be divided for real everyday use. I thought about where someone would cook, sleep, work, and relax. Every inch had to matter. The key idea was to make it compact yet comfortable, so even a small footprint could still feel like a home.

I also made sure to consider modular building techniques during this step. That means the units are designed in separate sections (modules) that can be prefabricated in a factory and then assembled quickly on-site. This method is not only more cost-effective, but also reduces construction time and waste. While designing, I looked at examples of successful modular homes around the world and adapted some of the ideas to fit the needs of people in Chicago, especially people dealing with housing insecurity. I kept the materials simple, sustainable, and easy to replicate. The result was a clean, minimal design that balances function and dignity.

After designing the basic structure, I focused on the interior layout, how the spaces inside the modular home would function and flow. I divided the house into four main areas: bedroom, living space, kitchen, and bathroom. Even though the home is compact, I made sure that each section has a clear purpose and doesn’t feel cramped. I wanted it to feel like a real home, not a shelter or a box. The goal was to create comfort and privacy while still staying efficient with space.

The bedroom is tucked away in a quiet corner to give a sense of peace and separation from the rest of the home. It’s just enough for a bed, a small closet, and maybe a desk or shelf. The living area is more open and multipurpose, it can be used for relaxing, reading, or even having guests over. The kitchen is small but includes all the basics: a stovetop, sink, storage, and a little counter space for prep. I placed it near a window so it feels bright and inviting. The bathroom is compact as well, with just a standing shower, toilet, and small sink, but the design ensures it’s still comfortable and accessible.

One of the most important things I kept in mind while designing this project was sustainability. I didn’t want this to be just another temporary shelter; I wanted to build something that would last, help the environment, and cost less over time. The materials used in the structure are lightweight, affordable, and either recycled or recyclable. I also imagined the homes having solar panels on the roofs, which would reduce dependence on traditional electricity and lower monthly bills for the residents. Good insulation and natural light through large windows would keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer, cutting down energy usage. Rainwater collection systems could also be added to reduce water waste. All of this makes the home not just eco-friendly, but also practical for people who may not have a steady income.

But sustainability is not just about the environment—it’s also about people. I thought a lot about how to create a sense of community with this project. Instead of building one home in isolation, I imagined a whole neighborhood of these modular houses on the outskirts of Chicago. There would be shared gardens, walking paths, and common spaces where people could gather, talk, and support each other. This isn’t just about solving homelessness, it’s about helping people feel seen, safe, and part of something bigger. By living in a clean, stable place surrounded by others with similar stories, people could regain confidence and slowly rebuild their lives. That’s what building a community means.

Honestly, when I first started this project, I was mainly focused on the design part. I wanted to create something unique that looked good and worked well. But as I kept working, especially while researching homelessness in Chicago, my mindset started to shift. I realized this wasn’t just about buildings or floor plans, it was about people’s lives. Every statistic I read, every image I saw of people sleeping on sidewalks or under bridges, made this feel more real. It made me ask: What if that was me or someone I cared about? From that moment on, I wanted this project to not just be a school assignment, but something meaningful. I started thinking more carefully about how the homes would feel, how they would support someone trying to get back on their feet.

Looking back now, I feel proud of what I created, not just because the design is functional and sustainable, but because it’s based on empathy. I learned how architecture is not just about shapes and measurements, but about impact. A small home can change a life if it’s designed with care. Through this project, I developed my skills in design, research, and planning, but I also grew in how I think about social problems and solutions. I hope one day projects like this aren’t just theoretical but actually built in cities like Chicago. Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep, a door they can lock, and a space to call their own. This project reminded me that design can be a powerful tool for hope.