BOSTON SITEINFO
POPULATION
Boston is a major city in the northeastern United States, and it is the capital and largest city in Massachusetts. It is located 215 miles from New York City, 311 miles from Philadelphia and 572 miles from Pittsburgh, PA.
Roxbury is home to a diverse community which includes White, African American, Hispanic, and Asian families.
Its proximity to most medium and large cities throughout the Northeastern US would make it a good case study for testing public housing ideas and models that could then be applied regionally.
The population density of Roxbury is very high at 13,346 people per square mile, compared to the rest of Boston at 12,812 people per square mile.
The project site is located in Roxbury, a neighborhood in the southern part of Boston. Roxbury is located 8 miles from downtown Boston and has a population of 59,626 people as of 2016.
CASE STUDIES + ANALYSIS
BROADWAY HOUSING Architects: Kevin Daly Architects Location: Santa Monica, CA, USA Area: 33,225 sqft Project Year: 2012
The objective of this housing project is to provide low income families on the Westside of Los Angeles with affordable housing that is both environmentally and economically sustainable. The design clusters economical, repeatable housing blocks around the canopy of an existing shade tree. All of the units face this central courtyard and every room in each unit has access to natural light and ventilation.
Deep windows allow for natural light while minimizing direct sunlight Large areas create opportunity for social interactions
Circulation is through and around the various gathering spaces
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
The master planning of the University of Pennsylvania places a priority on the walking paths and public spaces adjacent to its buildings. The green spaces and sitting areas adjacent to the walkways and buildings are also very well thought out and add an attractive and lively user driven quality to the public space that would definitely improve the current typology of public housing. The Quadrangle has a smaller “neighborhood� scale while thoughtfully using the walkways, green, and plaza spaces.
ROXBURY
ToDowntown Boston
CRESTON AVENUERESIDENCES
GROCERY AND SHOPS
SITE
PARKS AND GREENSPACE PUBLIC TRANSIT
Deviating from big-block high-rises that dominated American public housing for decades, Designing New York recommends breaking up the massing of a building to allow variation in units and creativity within the zoning code. This project uses unconventional massing to match neighborhood scale and maximize the number of units offered. Street frontages align with adjacent older residences and echo their smaller scale. The center portion, clad in metal panels, pulls back to create a generous covered entrance. The project also has an ample amount of various social spaces for residents and visitors.
INSPIRATION + PARTI
RESEARCH + PLANNING
Humans need adequate housing to be sheltered from the elements, protected from danger, and to have safe personal space in order to survive. Housing also provides us with stability, comfort, a measure of safety, and a sense of belonging.
Roxbury is divided into sub-neighborhoods, and each area has unique characteristics of architecture, open space, topography, and land uses. Plans calls for districts to share commercial centers at points that define the boundaries of the districts. Maintaining the uniqueness and integrity of the sub-neighborhoods is a key goal.
Abraham Maslow was a psychologist best known for creating the hierarchy of needs in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation”. The theory posits that psychological health is predicated on fulfilling innate human needs in priority, culminating in self-actualization. Access to any housing might begin to cover the physiological needs, but access to affordable, quality housing will also help meet the psychological needs of residents and give everyone the opportunity to seek out their self actualization.
The objectives of The Roxbury Zoning Code Article 50 and the Roxbury Neighborhood Plan are “Provide for affordable and market rate housing for individuals and families; to promote and expand neighborhood educational and cultural facilities; to promote the viable neighborhood economy and provide for new economies and expansion of job opportunities; to preserve, enhance, and create open space; to protect the environment and improve the quality of life; to promote the most desirable use of land; and to promote the public safety, health, and welfare of the people of Roxbury.”
Public housing is affordable housing that receives full or partial funding from the government. The goal was to provide a decent home for every American, but over time housing projects had become internationally infamous for poverty, crime, and racial segregation.
SITE
THESIS QUESTION:
SITE
Can applying proven design principles to the current public housing typology provide quality homes for a variety of people, remove the negative connotations associated public housing, and increase the quality of a neighborhood and a community? A cultural mosaic is the mix of ethnic groups, languages, and cultures that coexist within society. A well designed public housing project should be a mosaic of uses, building types and people. Mosaic:
PRELIMINARY IDEA
RESIDENTIAL
1. a picture or pattern produced by arranging together small colored 2. a combination of diverse elements forming a more or less coherent whole
SO INSTEAD OF PUBLIC HOUSING, DESIGN EQUITABLE HOUSING
ECONOMIC/ COMMUNITY SPACE
PROCESS + IDEAS
PROCESS + IDEAS Preliminary site concepts to establish site connections using the bubble diagram as a tool to understand sizes/proportion relative to each other. It also starts establishing the program layout.
C H G
PROS:
CONS:
-Housing has direct access to green spaces around the perimeter and a visual connection to a central social core -Uses green space to create “porosity” into the site and break up the wall of buildings -Creates density
-May not adhere to typical neighborhood context because of green space intervals -Too much open circulation space -Anchor spaces may not be big enough to support various uses for the neighborhood.
PROS:
CONS:
-Creates more unit density -Adheres more to the typical neighborhood context for multi-family buildings
-Closes off more of the site.-Too much open circulation space -May feel less residential and more closed off -May feel too dense
PROS:
CONS:
-Green space corners balance the anchor spaces and break up the perimeter of the buildings. -Uses green spaces to create a visual sight line through the site and break up the wall of buildings. -Creates more unit density without completely walling off the site. -May start to adhere more to the typical neighborhood context for multi-family buildings
-Closes off more of the site.-Too much open circulation space -Depends heavily on building type and height to it from feeling less residential and too closed off. -Fells too dense
MOSAIC This series of design ideas follows the lines of the site perimeter and allows for the site plan to be laid out in a in a grid like pattern than can bedivided up and adjusted to fit the program. PROS:
CONS:
-High density -Allows a large variety of unit types -Has a large shared green space
-May feel too dense and crowded -Wrong scale for the neighborhood -The large buildings form “superblocks”
GRID MOSAIC This iteration allows for the site plan to pick up cues from the surrounding context, in this case some of the neighboring streets and allows them to continue as paths through the site. PROS:
CONS:
-Breaks up the large blocks -Has a variety of walking paths -Allows for variations in building types
-Not enough green space distribution -Blocks are still too big -Too much grid, not verydynamic
SHIFTING THE GRID This iteration attempts to begin breaking the rigid grid of spaces to allow for dynamic site moments. PROS:
CONS:
-Green space became slightly dynamic
-Too grid-like, not verydynamic -Not enough green space distribution -Blocks are still too big
JURYFEEDBACK
FEEDBACK RESPONSE This is a revision to the original master plan that is based on the precedent study of the UPenn Campus. The plan gives equal thought and importance to the scale quality of the outdoor spaces as it does to the buildings. Buildings are intentionally kept “thinner” as to not become imposing and overwhelm residents, while creating lively, engaging outdoor public spaces for everyone.
PROJECTPROS:
PROJECTCONS:
1. Alarge amount of research
1. Circulation- vehicular, pedestrian
2. Using context to inform design decisions
2. How will the green spaces and community spaces dictate the breakup of the residential
3. Using a variety of precedents and thinking through their importance
3. How will they draw in the community? Embracing community surroundings
4. Understand public policy
4. Narrow my objectives
5. Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
5. Develop good strategies from precedents
6. Addressing that Roxbury is an impoverished area in an affluent city
6. What am I trying to do and why?
SITE DESIGN RULES
7. Using the site as a community
7. Good public housing vs good housing.
8. Considering density and scale
8. Consider unit/grid dimensions for living
9. Differentiating between equality vs diversity
9. Flexible housing models that adapt to different living/family situations
In response to jury feedback at the fall review, I made these revisions to the initial site master plan. In order to change the typology of public housing projects, the master plan of this project should establish clear and simple rules to draw from when laying out the site and the buildings. These rules have been established as a “kit of parts” and will create cohesion and help establish the new typology of public housing projects.
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These community spaces should draw in the people
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Are these paths (shown in blue) pedestrian, vehicular or both?
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How do the green spaces dictate or create the arrangement of the residential spaces?
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Major Community Center -Rule: adjacent to Main Green -Elevation reflects neighbors -3-4 floors Main Green space -Park space with adjacent Big Amenity Center
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Minor Community Centers -2-3 floors -Scale between rowhouses and multifamily -Draw people into project
Shared Backyards -No fences -”Eyes on the street” -Semi private end conditions
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Multifamily -3-4 floors -Adjacent Courtyard -70’ wide = Double Loaded
Multifamily courtyards -Paved/green with trees seating and tables -Outward “facing” -Similar to Locust walk seating areas
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Rules for Rowhouse Units -3 Floors -Rowhouses have shared backyard - 120’ = double loaded block
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Internal Pathways -Paved with permeable materials that are distinctfrom the sidewalk -Irregular paths are intended to draw people into the site and create discovery
TECHNICAL + SUSTAINABILITY
TECHNICAL + SUSTAINABILITY
Structure
Stormwater
The structure used for the multifamily buildings is pretty straight forward and efficient. Most of the multifamily buildings have double loaded corridors so the structural trusses (2x10) go from the exterior wall to the corridor, and from the corridor to the other exterior wall. This type of structure is simple, economical, and simpler to replicate.
In order to reduce demand on existing water supply, and reduce run-off, erosion, and contamination of surface water, this rain water harvesting system is being implemented as part of the sustainability component for theproject. Rainwater would be collected from the roof surfaces of the multi-family buildings, and subsequently store this water in underground cisterns for later use in landscaping for the site.
Permeable paving is a method of paving vehicle and pedestrian pathways that allows for infiltration of fluids. In addition to reducing surface runoff, permeable paving can trap suspended solids therefore filtering pollutants from stormwater. The rowhouses have a typical structure consisting of exterior bearing and parti walls between structures.
Typical structure for apartment units
permeable paving used on hardscaped surfaces throughout the site
TECHNICAL + SUSTAINABILITY
FACADE/EXTERIOR MATERIAL
Mechanical
This facade panel system can be used both indoor and outdoors for facades, interior walls, and even furniture design. It is lightweight fibre cement that can be easily transformed into any shape. It can be perforated, printed, or sanded. It is non-combustible and durable. Its original size is a 10´x 4´ panel, which can easily be cut down to 4’ and 8’ sizes in order to form a language for the project. The attachment is suitable for super insulated walls.
Passivehause building strategy comprises a set of design principles used to attain quantifiable and rigorous levels of energy efficiency within a specific comfort level. This approach seeks to optimize gains and losses based on climate. Passive building principles can be applied to all building typologies including single family homes, multifamily buildings, offices, and even skyscrapers. As such a passive building is designed and built in accordance with these five building-science principles: 1. Use continuous super insulation throughout the entire envelope without any thermal bridging 2. The building envelope is extremely airtight, preventing infiltration of outside air and the loss of conditioned air 3. Employs high-performance windows (double or triple-paned) and doors. Solar gain is managed to exploit the sun’s energy for heat in the heating season and to minimize overheating during the cooling season 4. Use some form of balanced heat and moisture recovery ventilation 5. Use a minimal space conditioning system.
ERV HEATING + COOLING UNIT DIAGRAMS
Option 1: Split Insulation R40+
Equitone Exterior Panel 4” Rock woolInsulation OSB Sheathing 4” Cellulose Insulation
2x6 Lumber Air Barrier 1/2” Drywall
12”
3”=1”
ELEVATION IDEAS To keep consistency in the project the initial elevation design idea is based on the “kit of parts” idea previously applied to the site plan. There are two window sizes that are applied in three combinations to create visual variety and avoid repetition. The ventilation grille also adds to the aesthetic. 6 x8
10’
10’
3 x8
40’
40’ 1 x 8 Grille
PANEL IDEAS
These diagrams begin to explore a variety of line/joint/seam expressions of the exterior panel system.
Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) is the energy recovery process of exchanging the energy contained in normally exhausted building or space air and using it to treat (precondition) the incoming outdoor ventilation air in residential and commercial HVAC systems. During the warmer seasons, the system pre-cools and dehumidifies while humidifying and pre-heating in the cooler seasons. The benefit of using energy recovery is the ability to meet the ASHRAE ventilation & energy standards, while improving indoor air quality and reducing total HVAC equipment capacity. This technology has not only demonstrated an effective means of reducing energy cost and heating and cooling loads, but has allowed for the scaling down of equipment. Additionally, this system will allow for the indoor environment to maintain a relative humidity of 40% to 50%. This range can be maintained under essentially all conditions.
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DIAGRAMS
APARTMENT UNIT PLANS
Diagrams
In planning and laying out the apartment units, attention was given to occupant comfort while also maximizing space. Having efficient, modular units also helps with energy efficiency and the passivehaus strategy.
This series of diagrams shows the main points of the site, and how they interact with the residential component of the project and with each other. In the overall concept, porosity, gathering spaces, and green spaces were the main ideas to be addressed first.
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36' - 0"
11' - 10"
11' - 5"
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Park
Seating
Site Entries / Porosity
Gathering and nodes
Site Circulation
Main and secondary entrances into the site
Important site specific landmarks
Main and secondary pathways through the site
1 BR
2 BR
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48' - 0"
11' - 5" 12' - 4"
11' - 6"
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10' - 4"
20' - 0"
9' - 6"
11' - 5"
13' - 1 3/4"
11' - 5"
20' - 0"
Seating
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Plaza
20' - 0"
Cafe
11' - 5"
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Playground
Permeable Paving Private Rain Garden Public
Community and Retail
Public and Private
Hardscape vs. Softspace
Yellow indicates the spaces for retail and community use
Shared vs non-shared green spaces
Permeable paving areas vs green and gardens
2 BR-(B)
3 BR
OVERALL SITEPLAN APARTMENT UNIT PLANS
For the rowhouses, the priority was in laying out an efficient space that flows well but with plenty of room for a larger family of a group of cohabitants. The rowhouses have 3 levels and private outdoor space that provides views to the site below. Another feature of the rowhouse is the shared backyard, which give the resident the opportunity for a semi-private outdoor space that is separate from the other green spaces.
The overall site plan and layout attempts to create a variety of outdoor spaces for gathering, interacting, and playing, while significantly increasing the amount and variety of available of available equitable housing in the area.
UNIT COUNT: 1 BR = 148 2 BR = 161 3 BR = 55 Row Houses = 60
1st Floor
2nd Floor
3rd Floor
TYPICAL MIXED USE PLANS
TYPICAL MULTI-FAMILY
The mixed use buildings have a retail or community use component at the ground level, and residential apartment units on the levels above. The purpose is to bring people to the site and create non resident activity, while creating a small business opportunity that would benefit the community and neighborhood.
The multifamily buildings are made up of a variety of apartment sizes in order to accommodate different size families and cohabitants while creating density and increasing the amount of available housing.
TYPICAL L BUILDING
RETAIL2 RETAIL 1 Level 1
TYPICAL BAR BUILDING
Level 2