Should Congress Have to Live Together?

"Life on the Hill could be transformed. Representatives would mingle as they drop their children off at school, go shopping and do laundry, or duck into a conference room for a meeting."

"The idea has precedent. Rory Cooper has praised the merits of dorm-style housing, in part because the high cost of the area's real estate can discourage people who aren't wealthy from running for office."

Architects Andrew Linn and Jack Becker propose a novel solution to congressional dysfunction: communal living for Congress members on Capitol Hill. Their design lab concept, named the "House's House," seeks to transform existing parking lots into a mixed-use neighborhood where representatives and their families could interact. This community model encourages connections that transcend political divides, enhancing collaboration. Notably, previous efforts have highlighted the benefits of dorm-style housing, especially for mitigating real estate barriers. Though challenges remain, Linn and Becker advocate for a Capitol Hill reimagined to promote social engagement among lawmakers.

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