Living differently upstairs and downstairs
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
By James Tong Apr 3, 2026
As cities across the world grow
larger to accommodate increasing populations, urban design is adapting. Mixed-use buildings are an urban design element that city planners use to combine several functions—such as residential, commercial and even recreational spaces—into one structure. Instead of separating where people live, work and recreate, mixed-use buildings create a space where all of the aforementioned can be done cohesively.
Mixed-use buildings are built to maximize both land efficiency and convenience. According to Kohn Pedersen Fox, ancient Rome featured some of the earliest mixed-use buildings, with markets on the bottom floors and homes above. Historically, suburban, car-centric design pushed American planners to create communities that separated residential, commercial and industrial areas geographically, known as Euclidean zoning. However, in the present day, with growing urban populations and an increasing focus on sustainability, many cities are returning to mixed-use developments.
Urban population growth is a major driving factor for increased demand for housing in city centers. Additionally, sustainability goals encourage planners to reduce the need for transportation—especially cars—to lower emissions. Many modern consumers value convenience, which in architecture often entails the ability to walk downstairs to grab a coffee or buy groceries without a drive. While San José resident Tong Sheng has appreciated the convenience of mixed-use buildings, he has also seen downsides of living so close to businesses.
"Twenty years ago, I lived in a mixed-use building in downtown Berkeley. My apartment was above a restaurant exhaust fan, so it was loud, greasy and smelly. However, the area was so dense that going to restaurants or the BART station was within walking distance. Now, I live in a townhome in San José near mixed-use apartments, so I get the benefits of having stores close by," Sheng said.
In San José’s Santana Row, residential units sit above the retail stores and restaurants, creating a popular shopping area where people also live. Manhattan’s Hudson Yards combines luxury apartments with offices, restaurants and green spaces. Even sports facilities, such as Tammela Stadium in Finland, integrate apartments into the stadium complex.
Proponents of mixed-use buildings argue that they have a positive environmental, economic and social impact. They reduce car usage by making it easy for residents to walk for daily errands or to work, lowering carbon emissions and decreasing traffic. The developments support local businesses and often raise property values. Socially, they encourage community interaction by creating public spaces where people can meet and interact.
However, mixed-use buildings have their drawbacks. They often come with higher rent and cost of living due to their popularity. As such, these developments are often inaccessible to lower-income residents or lead to gentrification, as property prices rise and cause displacement. Furthermore, living above shops or restaurants can be noisy, which is typically not favorable for residents.
"The development of mixed-use buildings is beneficial for cities with heavy traffic and reduces transportation dependency. Convenience outweighs higher rent because people save time with the easy access provided by these designs. Moreover, it saves money because people can avoid gas fees and may not even need to buy a car for daily use," Junior Rishabh Kaushikkar said.
As mixed-use buildings reflect a broader shift in how communities are designed, the blend of functionalities may create more sustainable and connected environments. Whether they continue to grow and become a common model for community design planning will depend on how these structures address concerns and priorities about crowding and affordability.
About the Contributors
James Tong
Staff Writer
Jane Hong, a senior at Leland High School, is the Creative Director of The Charger Account. She loves good food and long naps, but when she’s not recharging, you’ll probably find her dancing or binging the latest K-dramas.
Mingyue Xiao
Artist
Mingyue Xiao is a junior at Leland High School and an artist for The Charger Account. She keeps busy reading, dancing, and drawing designs for her art projects.
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