What Is Coliseum Place?
Coliseum Place is an all-electric, affordable housing building located in Oakland. This project stands out not just for its design but for its commitment to sustainability and community impact. It’s part of a broader vision in architecture and urban design that DBA champions—one where housing isn’t just about shelter but about uplifting neighborhoods and residents alike. Coliseum Place embodies this philosophy with its innovative approach to affordable housing, blending smart design with environmental responsibility.
Main Benefits of Coliseum Place
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes Coliseum Place a standout project:
- Recognized with the national AIA COTE Top Ten Award for 2025
- All-electric building, emphasizing sustainable design and energy efficiency
- Affordable housing that meets the needs of diverse urban populations
- Part of DBA’s core design philosophy focusing on sustainability and community connection
- Located in Oakland, contributing to urban revitalization and adaptive reuse efforts
Blue Oak Landing: A Model of Excellence
Blue Oak Landing is another shining example of DBA’s commitment to housing design that truly makes a difference. This project was honored with a 2025 AIA Housing Award, one of only eight projects nationally recognized for excellence in housing. It’s not just about the buildings themselves but about creating communities that foster connection and resilience. Blue Oak Landing sets a new bar for performance, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to place—especially for permanent supportive housing in the Bay Area.
Design Philosophy Behind the Projects
DBA’s core design philosophy is all about creating spaces that serve people and the planet. Their approach integrates sustainable design principles with urban planning and master planning strategies. The focus is on adaptive reuse and interim use, making sure that every project contributes to a more sustainable and livable city. This philosophy is crystalized in their book, 9 Ways to Make Housing for People, which outlines a framework for urban housing that uplifts residents and neighborhoods alike.
Urban Design and Adaptive Reuse
Urban design plays a crucial role in DBA’s projects, weaving together architecture, planning, and sustainability. Adaptive reuse is a key strategy here—transforming existing structures to meet new needs without starting from scratch. This approach not only preserves the character of neighborhoods but also reduces environmental impact. Projects like Africatown Plaza and others showcase how adaptive reuse can breathe new life into communities while supporting affordable housing goals.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – through affordable, resilient urban housing
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – via all-electric building design
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by promoting adaptive reuse and innovative architecture
- SDG 13: Climate Action – reducing carbon footprint with sustainable design
- SDG 1: No Poverty – providing affordable housing options
Engaging with Housing Through Media
DBA also extends its reach beyond architecture and planning through engaging media content. For example, the video America By Design TV: Blue Oak Landing highlights how this project sets new standards for permanent supportive housing in the Bay Area. Meanwhile, the 9 Ways to Make Housing for People video, available from ORO Editions, distills DBA’s design framework into an accessible format, making the ideas behind these projects easy to grasp and share. These resources help spread the message about sustainable, thoughtful housing design far and wide.
