Community Fitness 

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The building aims to be a product of its environment by becoming a local destination. It will respond to the daily flow of vehicular traffic from Mass Avenue, by allowing the existing traffic ramp to intersect the design of the new ground level. A cantilever extension, made from wood construction, will project itself towards the Mass Pike. This connection to the Pike allows an individual to peer down onto the oncoming traffic; a gesture that implies a level of importance to the daily pedestrian.
 

The ground level will complement the cantilevered platform with a continuation of newly developed public spaces such as food trucks and community garden spaces. These spaces would accommodate flexible programs for all pedestrian to enjoy at their own pace. Greenery with local and seasonal vegetation will have their own role within the ground level, as well. The idea of evaporative cooling, accompanied by prevailing winds from the west, will provide a sensible atmosphere to the busy block on Mass Avenue.

 

Upon entering the building, through a set of stairs, an individual can transition from a busy public area to a space that feels more contained; a procession of intimate areas will follow as you ascend to the higher levels of the building. This attitude of ‘Private vs Public’ is accomplished by controlling the type of daylight that enters within each level, as well as, the type of exterior visibility when looking in towards the building. A Metallic Fabric sunscreen system, with variations of opacity, will wrap the East, South and the West façade of the building as needed (to help reduce the glare and excess direct heat gain from the sun). Windows will respectfully reduce in size and width, depending on the type of program and on the level in which they reside; This will permit the necessary control of natural light that enters throughout the day. The design of a light-well, that functions as both a Trombe wall and a Theatre projection wall, will insert itself into the upper three levels of the building. This light-well will allow natural light to spill into these private spaces, reinforcing the idea of a more intimate ‘Private’ environment.

 

A private Theatre space, for private venues and seasonal screening, will complete the design of the building, resting at the roof level. The theatre will act as a beacon for the newly design corner on Mass Avenue. The addition of a translucent wall will sit at the perimeter of the roof level to control any noise pollution, and to act as a filter for diluting the light during an evening event.

 

Overall, the goal of this design is to expand upon the idea of creating a new public destination for the daily commuters; to mitigate the use of artificial light and instead invoke attitudes within a space with the use of Natural Daylight; All while utilizing passive systems such as the Trombe wall, Evaporative cooling, and natural ventilation to give the entire building an eco-friendly opportunity.

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Boston, MA - Boston Architectural College

2018