David Baker Architects commissioned us to design an imaginative manual to present the firm’s “9 Ways”—their wide-ranging philosophical approach to creating multi-family housing. [+]

9 Ways to Make Housing for People is both expansive and specific, featuring projects that span the firm’s four decades of experience. While each chapter has its own distinct design language to help capture the spirit of each “Way,” certain unifying features appear throughout. Every chapter contains both a “sidebar” spread that goes into greater depth about one of DBA’s housing design strategies as well as a graphic collage that pairs big idea statements with photography from DBA projects.

The book’s exposed board cover and binding help communicate the sense that this is an un-precious handbook, accessible and engaging not just to design professionals but to anyone with an interest in urban housing.

9 Ways to Make Housing for People is available for purchase through ORO Editions and will be in bookstores in 2023.