PHASE 1
Existing Site Conditions The proposed site sits in Roxbury and is owned by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission nearby. In a dense urban area such as this, it is important to consider what kind of effect buildings have on their neighbors. The first objective of the Site and Ecology team was to analyze existing solar and wind conditions and climate data around the proposed site. Using this data, the team then illustrated scenarios using eight basic housing typologies and solar information to demonstrate fundamental active and passive strategies for maximizing daylight exposure and responding to local wind patterns.
Existing Site
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N N N
W W W
N N N
EEE
SS S
WINTER WINTER WINTER WINDS WINDS WINDS
EEE
W W W
N N N
EEE
W W W
SS S
SS S
SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER WINDS WINDS WINDS
Summer Sun (Jun 21)
Winter Sun (Dec 21)
Prevailing Winds, Summer + Winter
This diagram illustrates the position of the sun at 12:00
At 12:00 pm on the winter solstice, the sun is at an angle of
Winds in June, July, and August typically blow northwest
pm on the summer solstice. At noon, the sun is at an angle
25 degrees from the ground and rises 120 degrees east of
and west from the Atlantic Ocean and are necessary for
of 70 degrees from the ground and rises 60 degrees east
true north. Ideally, buildings on the site would have some
providing passive ventilation during these hot and humid
of true north. Rooms with larged glazed areas facing
glazing oriented towards the southeast corner of the site
months. Winter winds blow down faster, colder, and more
the northeastern edge of the site would run the risk of
so as to passively heat rooms using the winter midday sun.
frequently in a southeast direction, so positioning buildings
overheating in the hot summer sun.
with perimeters on the north and west edges of the site would help to block the surrounding open spaces from bitter winds.
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Solar Radiation The solar radiation map illustrates the annual surface irradiation based on Boston’s climate. The warmest colors represent the most concentrated irradiation. The cooler colors receive less sunlight and show areas with less irradiation. The amount of usable solar energy shown in this map can be utilized for passive heating strategies, especially flat panel photovoltaics. The map shows a high potential for collecting solar energy in this area. Boston takes advantage of this byimplementing this renewable energy strategy in many of its buildings. Across the street from the site even, the Boston Water & Sewer Commission takes advantage of the solar energy through a roof mounted solar panel system.
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kWhm-2 1500 1350 1200 1050 900 750 600 450 300 150 0
N
Solar Envelope The solar envelopes depicted in the diagrams to the right represent the ideal volume for a building on the site so as not to shade the surrounding buildings. The parameters used in generating this visualization include input for the shape of the lots, the range of daylight hours desired, and the latitude (42 degrees). When the daylight hours is set to 11-1 pm, it is clear that the majority of the building’s mass should be concentrated on the southwest corner of the site so as to mitigate shading. At the 2-4 pm position, however, the solar envelope is nearly flat. It would be impossible to build anything within that volume. The information drawn from this study is that a building can be designed on the site in such a way that it does not shade the surrounding area at midday, it will still end up putting other buildings in shadow during the mid- to late afternoon.
Individual lots, 2-4 pm
Individual lots, 11-1 pm
Entire site, 11-1 pm
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Solar Fan The solar fan takes the desired open space of a design and projects a volume demonstrating the area that needs to be kept clear to minimize shade on the open space. The solar fan helps to determine the cuts on our ideal masses that would allow for adequate sunlight on the outdoor spaces created on the site. The parameters used in generating this visualization include input for the shape of the open space, average first frost (October 1st), latitude (42 degrees) and the desired amount of sunlight per day (4 hours for the purposes of our study). The first frost date defines when solar access is most critical for open spaces for purposes of passive heating. The example to the right illustrates solar fans in light red. The dark red portions are where the solar fan cuts into the proposed building masses.
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Typologies Massing scenarios were tested on the 4 plots of the site using 8 general forms common to many contemporary housing projects. Each typology was designed to a floor area ratio of 3 and a maximum height of 70 feet. Masses consisting of double loaded corridoors were set at 60 feet wide and single loaded at 30 feet wide. After each scheme of typologies was configured, the solar fan was calculated to determine what massing changes should be made to the buildings to maximize daylighting. The schemes were then reimagined to take advantage of daylighting as a passive strategy.
Carved block
Carved block with point block
“L”
“T”
“U”
Perimeter block
“Z”
Bar
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Typology Trial, Scheme 1 Because the courtyards in the western and northern quardrants are large and open and the buildings are 70’ tall, the solar fan cuts in Step 2 are significant. The U shaped volume in the southern quardrant would not be feasible due to low FAR, but the L and T shaped volumess could be modified to have wider, lower bars. Ultimately, it is important to striking a balance between the size of the courtyard and the proportions of the bar.
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
The edge formed on the northern quadrant begins to block winter winds from the northwest.
Solar fan Cuts made by solar fan
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Typology Trial, Scheme 2 Once again, the volumes that fully enclose their courtyards are most impacted by the solar fan cuts. Notice that the L volume on the northern quadrant is the same height as the perimeter block on the western quadrant but is less affected by the solar fan. The smaller perimeter blocks have smaller courtyards but are also strongly affected by the solar fan. Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
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Typology Trial, Scheme 3 The solar fan cut shown in Step 2 requires moderate edits to each volume. The perimeter block on the north quadrant and the U volume on the east quadrant are edited down to one or two levels, far below the required FAR of 3. The small carved block on the southern quadrant is not likely to be feasible design option, as its edited form in Step 4 would be difficult to design units for.
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
If one were to design their site based on the solar data provided, a perimeter type such as the U would only be feasible if it was low to the ground and with wider proportions like the building on the western quadrant.
Step 3, Remaining Volume Step 3, Remaining Volume
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Step 4, Revised Volume
Typology Trial, Scheme 4 In the fourth scheme, the largest cuts are made on the T and U volumes due to their height and the size of the courtyards. It becomes apparent that it is not feasible for these large courtyards to have sun for four hours a day without shade. The northernmost open space is also exposed to prevailing winds from the northwest during the winter time. The designer must either accept shaded courtyards that are colder and less appealing, or scale them down.
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
The carved blocks are less impacted by the solar fan, but this is admittedly a less common housing typology, and the designer may face challenges with units getting
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Typology Trial, Scheme 5 This scheme begins to find a solution on the northern quadrant. The massive bar on its northeastern edge is working well but the smaller extrusion coming off of it is significantly eroded by the solar fan because the open space on either side of it are of considerable size. The southern edge of both the eastern and southern quadrants are eroded to allow for daylighting during the winter months and for wind during the summer months.
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Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
Typology Trial, Scheme 6 The scheme forms one large courtyard between the volumes on the northern and western quadrants. Like the previous scheme, building up the northeastern edge is working well and the mirrored version becomes lower to accommodate solar access as the sun moves westward across the sky.
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
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Typology Trial, Scheme 7 In this scheme, the open spaces are nearing their optimal size; the building heights are under 40 feet, and because of this the solar fans are less intrusive. The east-west orientation of the bar volumes on the northern quadrant also allow for maximum daylighting as the sun moves across the sky. The southern quadrant experiments with a “Z” typology. Ultimately it is not feasible on the smaller plots because the required height for this volume to reach the FAR of 3 casts too much shadow onto the smaller, divided open spaces. Not only that, but this volume is configured as a 30’ wide single loaded building — less than ideal for designing and placing residential units.
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Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
Typology Trial, Scheme 8 The final scheme follows the success of the previous scheme by deploying the strategy of low, east-west bars in the western quadrant while continuing to open spaces divided. The “U� shaped volume on the southern quadrant is taller than the ideal of the other quadrants, but it is still moderately successful because its opening is oriented towards the south to for daylighting during the winter months. Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
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Design Recommendations Environmentally Driven Design recommendations fall under two categories: ‘Standard Driven’ and ‘Environmentally Driven.’ ‘Environmentally Driven’ recommendations are based on ideal open spaces and solar orientation. The priority of these recommendations is to maximize solar energy and daylighting potential. ‘Standard Driven’ recommendations stem from set requirements for residential buildings. Realistic building dimensions and FAR are the parameters used to make these types of conclusions. The FAR used is 3 with a maximum building height of 70’. Building widths used are either 30’ for a single loaded corridor and 60’ for a double loaded corridor.
E
W
Build Up
Orient East-West
Build up the northeastern edge of the site. This applies to
The larger northern and western quadrants of the site
the northern and eastern quadrants. Buildings here can be
work best when there are fragmented open spaces with
taller and wider forming an edge on the site that won’t eat
lower buildings rather than taller buildings with larger
into the daylight of the open spaces.
more vast open spaces. Bar buildings are good options for this strategy because they can be repeated uniformly to form the proper series of outdoor spaces with adequate day lighting. Placement of these masses will work best in an east to west bar orientation to give the majority of the masses exposure to southern light.
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Form a Singular Open Space
Divide the Open Spaces
Open the Southern Edge
The smaller plots on the southern and eastern quadrants
At 12:00 pm on the winter solstice, the sun is at an angle of
The perimeter blocks generally do not work and in many
of the site work best with one large open space. Lower
25 degrees from the ground and rises 120 degrees east of
cases were cut away turning them into more of a “U”
masses work better here too which, through the FAR,
true north. Ideally, buildings on the site would have some
type mass. Ideally the “U” typologies work best when
result in wider, double loaded typologies as favorable
glazing oriented towards the southeast corner of the site
opening up to the south for exposure to summer winds and
choices. This shortening also opens up the site as whole to
so as to passively heat rooms using the winter midday sun.
southern light.
further exposure to the south.
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Design Recommendations Standard Driven
Feasible Widths
Height Restrictions
Designable Dimensions
Certain typologies are not possible at all because of the
Singular bar typologies are not feasible on the site either.
When working with the set FAR, keeping the masses lower
FAR of 3 combined with the set height limit of 70’. The
When working within the requirements, the masses simply
and wider tends to work better than narrow and tall. This
carved block typology typically doesn’t work. The small
become too tall. This applies both for double and single
strategy allows for more sunlight to enter the site and for
series of enclosed interior courtyards as open spaces
loaded bars.
less shading onto other buildings.
cannot function properly in terms or area or day lighting. For residential buildings, this typology is also unrealistic and doesn’t create the space required for repetitive apartment units to fit inside of it.
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PROTOTYPE
GROUND LEVEL BUILDING PLANS 1/16” = 1’
SERVICE
SERVICE
SERVICE RETAIL
RETAIL
RETAIL
LEVEL 2
BUILDING PLANS 1/16” = 1’
LEVEL 3
BUILDING PLANS 1/16” = 1’
LEVEL 4 + 5 BUILDING PLANS 1/16” = 1’
UNIT TYPES [16’ WIDE] UNIT PLANS 1/8” = 1’
26’ - 0”
STUDIO 36’ - 0”
1 BED 57’ - 0”
2 BED
UNIT TYPES [22’ WIDE] UNIT PLANS 1/8” = 1’
27’ - 6”
1 BED 35’ - 0”
2 BED
UNIT TYPES [ROWHOUSE] UNIT PLANS 1/8” = 1’
17’ - 0”
17’ - 0”
2 BED
3 BED
29’ - 9”
UNIT TYPES [ROWHOUSE] UNIT PLANS 1/8” = 1’
17’ - 0”
1 BED
Unit Mix Studios
6, 14%
Quantity, Percentage of Total
One BR Units
14, 33%
Quantity, Percentage of Total
Two BR Units
20, 48%
Quantity, Percentage of Total
Three BR Units 2, 5%
Quantity, Percentage of Total
Total Units
42
Residential
42925 SF
Sum of gross floor area broken out by type
5694 SF
Sum of gross floor area broken out by type
Commmunity / Amenity / Other 7636 SF
Sum of gross floor area broken out by type
Program
Retail
Parking
6090 SF
Sum of gross floor area broken out by type
Total Gross Floor Area
56255 SF
Sum of all areas not including parking
Total Gross Floor Area of typ. floor
25980 SF
Total Floor area of a typical upper level residential floor
Net - Gross ratio of typ. floor
31%
(Net floor area = area of dwelling units) / (Total area of floor)
Lot Coverage
24%
(Total GFA of Ground Fl incl. Parking) / (Total Parcel Area)
Floor Area Ratio
3.75
(Total GFA not incl. parking) / (Total Parcel Area)
Dwelling Units per Acre
122.09
(Total number of Units ) / (Site Area in Acres = .344 acres
MIDCRIT
URBAN STRATEGY CONCEPT
DEFINE STREET EDGE
CREATE NEIGHBORH
URBAN STRATEGY CONCEPT
ET EDGE
CREATE NEIGHBORHOODS
SPLIT FOR PEDESTR
URBAN STRATEGY CONCEPT
GHBORHOODS
SPLIT FOR PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
URBAN DEFINE STRATEGY STREET EDGE CONCEPT
CREATE NEIGHBORHOODS
URBAN CREATE STRATEGY NEIGHBORHOODS CONCEPT
SPLIT FOR PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
RETAIL [EDGE] PROGRAM COMMERCIAL
RETAIL DETAIL ACTIVATING STREET EDGE
BAR BLDG [HIGH DENSITY] PROGRAM RESIDENTIAL
BAR BUILDING DETAIL HIGH DENSITY
ROWHOUSE [FRAGMENTED] PROGRAM RESIDENTIAL
SITE ORGANIZATION RESIDENTIAL
LANDSCAPE - STREET CONNECTION RESIDENTIAL
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL 1 PLAN
ROOF PLAN
LEVEL WITH UNITS BAR 1 BUILDING PLAN
UNITS [APARTMENT] PLAN
STUDIO
1 BED
2 BED
3 BED
UNITS [ROWHOUSE] PLAN
FINAL
URBAN STRATEGY
CAIT MCCARTHY + GUILLERMO PERNIA DA CORTE
BUILDING TAXONOMY BIG BOX BAR FRAGMENTED
GREEN SPACES AND AMENITIES PUBLIC GREEN SPACES PRIVATE GREEN SPACES
5M INU TE
W AL
NG KI
CE AN ST DI CAFE GYM PHARMACY GROCERY STORE CONVENIENCE STORE
GREEN SPACES AND AMENITIES
STUDY ROOM CAFE GREEN SPACE
GYM
PARTY ROOM GROCERY STORE CONVENIENCE STORE
SITE MASSING
GROUND FLOOR
10 20
50
CAITLIN MCCCARTHY HOUSING + AGGREGATION
URBAN STRATEGY
URBAN STRATEGY
URBAN STRATEGY
URBAN STRATEGY
URBAN STRATEGY
LANDSCAPE BLANKET
LIVE/WORK + RETAIL
CONNECT URBAN LIFE
PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE
RESIDENT CIRCULATION
PUBLIC CIRCULATION
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
MEZZANINE PLAN
STREET - PLINTH CONNECTION LIVE/WORK TYPE A
STREET - PLINTH CONNECTION LIVE/WORK TYPE B
STREET - PLINTH CONNECTION LIVE/WORK TYPE C
TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN
METRICS STUDIOS 1 BEDS 2 BEDS 3 BEDS
15% 23% 54% 5%
TOTAL UNITS
262
RESIDENTIAL RETAIL AMENITY PARKING
261091 SF 20302 SF 46921 SF 36710 SF
TOTAL GFA
328314 SF
TYP. FL. GFA
13033 [BAR] 612 [ROW]
FAR
4.9
ROOF PLAN
BAR BUILDING TYPICAL UPPER LEVEL PLAN
UNITS [APARTMENT] PLAN
UNIT DISTRIBUTION STUDIO 1 BED 2 BED 3 BED
STUDIO
1 BED
2 BED
3 BED
UNITS [ROWHOUSE]
POTENTIAL PROGRAM
PLAN
BAKERY ARTISTS GALLERIES ARCHITECTS OFFICE CLOTHING BOTIQUE FLORSIT GRAPHIC DESIGNER WOODWORKER BOOK SHOP DAYCARE CENTER BIKE SHOP START-UP COFFEE SHOP YOGA STUDIO ICE CREAM SHOP DONUT SHOP SALON/BARBER SHOP TACO SHOP SANDWICH SHOP BODEGA WINE SHOP PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO TUTORING CENTER
LIVE WORK
LIVE
UNIT DISTRIBUTION
ROWHOUSE ELEVATION
ROWHOUSE SECTION
FACADE LOGIC INITIAL
BED FIXED BED FIXED
INITIAL INITIAL
SHIFTED SHIFTED
ADJ
LIVING ADJ LIVING ADJ
CLOSED
50%
50%
OPEN
CLOSED
50%
50%
OPEN
ADJ
FACADE LOGIC SHIFTED
SHIFTED
BAR ELEVATION
SITE SECTION PLAN