SPRING 2010
ROWHOUSES Northeastern University School of Architecture ARCH 5110 Housing and Aggregation Studio
SPRING 2010
ROWHOUSES Northeastern University School of Architecture ARCH 5110 Housing and Aggregation Studio
EDITOR SAM CHOI STUDENT EDITORS JACKIE MOSSMAN SHAWN BOLANOS
SPRING 2010 ROWHOUSES ARCH 5110 HOUSING AND AGGREGATION STUDIO Northeastern University School of Architecture 360 Huntington Avenue 151 Ryder Hall Boston, MA 02115 617.373.8959 www.architecture.neu.edu Copyright © 2011 School of Architecture Northeastern University Designed by Paste in Place Printed by Lulu The work contained within this publication is drawn from the Spring 2010 Northeastern University School of Architecture ARCH 5110 Housing and Aggrega tion Studio. All work was produced by fifth year architecture students, for whom the focus of the semester was infill courtyard housing in metropolitan Boston. STUDIO COORDINATORS Tim Love and Sam Choi FACULTY Sam Choi, Michael Grogan, David Hacin, Alyson Tanguay STUDENTS Alexander Davis, Allison Browne, Ashley Hartshorn, Ashley Hopwood, Assia Belguedj, Benjamin Hochberg, Bryan Allen, Chris Freda, Dan Adams, Dan Artiges, Dan Belknap, Darien Fortier, Dennis Greenwood, Diana Lattari, Erica LeLievre, Julien Jalbert, Lindsey Deschenes, Lucas Carriere, Nicole Fichera, Pamela Andrade, Samuel Clement, Sara Laporte, Tim Loranger, Whitney Chicoine
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
INTRODUCTION Nicole Fichera
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SPLIT ROWHOUSE Dan Belknap, Julien Jalbert, Pamela Andrade
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SKINNY ROWHOUSE Assia Belguedj, Dan Adams, Darien Fortier, Lucas Carriere, Bryan Allen
83
PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE Chris Freda, Dan Artiges, Whitney Chicoine, Tim Loranger
115
STACKED DUPLEXES Alexander Davis, Benjamin Hochberg, Sara Laporte
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2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT Ashley Hopwood, Dennis Greenwood, Erica LeLievre, Nicole Fichera, Samuel Clement
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INTERLOCKING ROWHOUSE Allison Browne, Diana Lattari
PUSH-PULL
THREE SKINNY
INTERLOCKING
TWO DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
SPLIT
STACKED DUPLEXES
INTRODUCTION NICOLE FICHERA Northeastern University School of Architecture housing studio focuses on a different type of housing every year, from courtyard housing to high-rise multi-family buildings. When our instructors told us that we’d be designing rowhouses, I was excited. As students in Boston, we know rowhouses: we have all lived in them, walked by them, partied in them, chatted on their stoops and relaxed on their rooftops. Architecture studios so often deal with big buildings and large-scale urban plans—this presented a chance to think on a smaller scale, something tangible and intimate. Design of housing focuses on something we all do every day: live. We all live, and we all want to live well. As students, this was our charge: to reinterpret the rowhouse for modern urban life.
At the onset of the semester, our instructors presented six basic diagrams for our rowhouse prototypes. Based on a parcel size of 20’ x 60’, the diagrams established a basic framework for interior spatial organization and the adjacent parcels in relation to one another. ‘Push/Pull’ required the deformation of the party wall between two parcels, allowing units to expand and contract laterally to create wider spaces. ‘Interlocking’ rowhouses broke down the
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initial parcel division almost completely, allowing interior spaces to
To begin design we first developed a prototype of adjacent
wrap around each other and create complex spatial sequences.
parcels forming a single component. We then aggregated
The ‘Split’ condition mandated a solution with spaces around
components across an alley as four parcels, developing a section
a central courtyard for light and air. The aptly named ‘Skinny’
that cut across a block from street front to street front, with a
rowhouse was formed from three narrowhouses sandwiched
service alley in between. Subsequently we repeated the long
into the width of two parcels.
sections to form an entire block, and invented corner conditions
The two following propositions seemed the most viable in the
for the idealized block created. At one point during the process
context of today’s market in that they pack three or four slightly
we exchanged units between peers, and aggregated both
smaller residences into the designated parcels. ‘Two Duplexes
sectional types together, first at the scale of a single block, then
over Flat’ proposed two vertical units sitting on top of one flat
as a nine-block grid. After designing these permutations in a
unit at street level, and ‘Stacked Duplex’ rowhouses were created
vacuum, we were ultimately asked to deploy our block strategy
by two duplex units stacked on top of each other, for a total of
on an actual site.
four units.
The site assigned was a large swath of underused, fragmented
Each of these organizing concepts presented challenges and
blocks along Melnea Cass Boulevard. As a fringe condition—
opportunities. Some prototypes were ingrained with spatial
surrounded by gentrified South End rowhouse neighborhoods,
richness; others adapted easily to retail and accessibility issues;
industrial mega-blocks, a fast moving multi-lane road, hospital
and many had strict space constraints that required rigorous
campus buildings, and low-income housing—the site was highly
planning and innovative thinking.
variable and required adaptive responses. Our urban strategies had to negotiate this varied context, while maintaining the spatial logic of our original two-parcel prototype. Our idealized block
We began the studio with an in-depth analysis of rowhouse
plans deformed, and spacious units were condensed to integrate
precedents, with examples ranging from the highly conceptual
ground level retail zones.
work of MVRDV in Amsterdam’s Borneo Sporenburg to high-end
Thus the work produced at the precinct scale, block scale, and
rowhouse residences both new and renovated. We looked at
unit scale was endlessly varied.
critical issues of core and stair placement, scale of living spaces,
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development of the entry sequence, and relationships with
Although the process was trying and unusual, this was an
parking and the street.
important project as students learning about housing and
the ways in which cities struggle to move forward within the constraints of the past. In cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, rowhouses are commonplace. Multiple generations of people love them. They make neighborhoods feel unified and urban, create a comfortable sense of human scale, and express the individuality of a single home. Historically rowhouses signified progress and momentum forward. In Boston’s Back Bay and South End neighborhoods, rowhouse builders were pioneers on land filled sea. Now antique facades seem solid, placid, full of untold stories from a genteel past. Rowhouses have been so often subdivided and readapted to modern living that their rhythmic, uniform facades hardly reflect their diverse and heterogeneous innards. But these neighborhood relics are not always perfectly preserved and have adapted to accommodate change over time. It is essential to acknowledge that diversity exists within rowhouses. Recognizing the natural evolution of living spaces could—and should—have major implications in the creation of new housing today. As an individual expression in a cohesive urban framework, the rowhouse gives us both a sense of collective and a place to call our own. In a city such as Boston, the reinterpretation of this multi-generational precedent results in the creation of new housing types, ones that are undeniably modern, but also intrinsically rooted in Boston.
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SPLIT ROWHOUSE DAN BELKNAP JULIEN JALBERT PAMELA ANDRADE
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DAN BELKNAP
The split rowhouse typology is a single family unit on a
INSTRUCTOR
single parcel, in which the indroduction of a courtyard defines
DAVID HACIN
the type. The principle organizational strategy involved a
SPLIT LIGHT HOUSE SPLIT ROWHOUSE
SPLIT LIGHT HOUSE tectonically solid base to house service program and garage, a heavily glazed public zone, and volume of private program suspended above. A strict agenda of light was maintained throughout the massing strategy.
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DAN BELKNAP INSTRUCTOR HACIN 8
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
Fourth Floor Plan
Unit Section
Unit Section
SPLIT LIGHT HOUSE SPLIT ROWHOUSE Front Elevation
Street Elevation
Side Elevation
Side Elevation
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DAN BELKNAP INSTRUCTOR HACIN
Master Plan 10
SPLIT LIGHT HOUSE SPLIT ROWHOUSE
The precinct exists on a crucial point of connection between the transit hubs of Ruggles Station, Dudley Square, and Boston Medical Center. The amount of bus traffic on each road was heavily considered in the positioning of retail and scale of streets scapes.
Urban Transit Lines
Figure/Ground Diagram
Urban Scale Response
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DAN BELKNAP INSTRUCTOR HACIN 12
Interior View
Interior View
Corner Porch View
Natural Light Diagram
SPLIT LIGHT HOUSE SPLIT ROWHOUSE Perspective
Solid block apartment type presents
Split row house type is introduced.
Masses are staggered in section and
Vertical circulation is placed around
problems regarding natural light,
Natural light and ventilation is improved
rear mass is compressed. Light and
courtyard and slab cuts bring light
ventilation and urban scale in a row
for upper stories but courtyard is dark
ventilation is brought further into
further into building and basement.
house neighborhood.
and cold. Facade also remains massive
building and courtyard. Facade is
Visual and acoustic connections are
in scale.
broken and entry porch is articulated.
created sectionally. Typical Block Plan
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DAN BELKNAP INSTRUCTOR HACIN
Perspective
Site Section 14
SPLIT LIGHT HOUSE SPLIT ROWHOUSE Aerial Perspective
Site Section
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JULIEN JALBERT
Upon first designing a siteless rowhouse, this scheme placed
INSTRUCTOR
the public program towards the more active street, and the
ALYSON TANGUAY
private program towards the alley. An outdoor space was
ADAPTABLE LIVING SPLIT ROWHOUSE
ADAPTABLE LIVING placed in between the program, and the circulation was situated around the void created. Once a site was given, the overall parti of the design was modified to accommodate solar orientation, where north-facing units would reorient public program toward the rear. Public alley gardens were also placed adjacent to the north-facing units on the block, which also facilitated the reorientation of public vs. private program.
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JULIEN JALBERT INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY
The design looks to create open (green) spaces at three different scales that work in unison in order to create an engaging urban residential site. First, at the small scale of the unit, courtyards are either shared between units or individualized for the row house, allowing for more privatized exterior space for inhabitants. Second, at the intermediate public scale, contained gardens for each individual block, allows for a sense of community within the block. Lastly the large scale open space for the general public create liveliness within a urban setting.
Existing Urban Conditions and Zones
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Existing Green Space
Figure/Ground Diagram
ADAPTABLE LIVING SPLIT ROWHOUSE Aerial Perspective
Block Section
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JULIEN JALBERT INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 20
Unit Section 1
Unit Section 2
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
ADAPTABLE LIVING SPLIT ROWHOUSE Interior Perspective
Third Floor Plan
Interior Perspective
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PAMELA ANDRADE
The primary idea behind this design centered around
INSTRUCTOR
perceiving the cores as objects that one moves around once
SAM CHOI
inside. The cores attach themselves to a circulation bar
CORES AS OBJECTS SPLIT ROWHOUSE
CORES AS OBJECTS and float within three types of spaces: public, private, and courtyard. Material is used to call out the cores so they can be understood as a system within the rowhouse. The rooms therefore read as transparent layers with sufficient glass to emphasize this idea. The facade expresses the circulation bar in wood that then catches the projected bay, meant to read as the volume of the courtyard being pushed out to the street.
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PAMELA ANDRADE INSTRUCTOR CHOI Block Perspective
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Block Section Elevation
CORES AS OBJECTS SPLIT ROWHOUSE Block Perspective
Block Elevation
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At the urban scale, the blocks are designed as extenPAMELA ANDRADE INSTRUCTOR CHOI
sions of the existing fabric. The periphery green spaces function as buffers to heavy vehicular traffic. A central greenspace with plaza extends out to the other two block precincts in the form of green medians and landscaping to unify the entire site.
Figure/Ground Diagram
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Site Analysis
CORES AS OBJECTS SPLIT ROWHOUSE Aerial Perspective
Street Section
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PAMELA ANDRADE INSTRUCTOR CHOI 28
Interior Perspective - Kitchen
Interior Perspective - Bedroom
Building Section
Building Section
CORES AS OBJECTS SPLIT ROWHOUSE
Fourth Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
Programmatic Axon
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SKINNY ROWHOUSE ASSIA BELGUEDJ DAN ADAMS DARIEN FORTIER LUCAS CARRIERE BRYAN ALLEN
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ASSIA BELGUEDJ
The skinny row house type accommodates a single family in
INSTRUCTOR
a typical urban condition of the South End neighborhood in
DAVID HACIN
Boston, Massachusetts. Although a single unit is to function
COURTYARD VARIETY SKINNY ROWHOUSE
COURTYARD VARIETY as a single-family home, the typical unit type was designed around a central courtyard privatizing the discovery and experience of the living spaces towards the interior. Only at two specific living spaces, does the house connect directly with the public: on the roof courtyard and in the main living room space. The organization of the unit around a central courtyard allows for flexibility of unit types, where two units can easily be paired to create a large center courtyard while still maintaining an identity for a single unit type.
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ASSIA BELGUEDJ INSTRUCTOR HACIN 34
Unit Type A
Building Section
Unit Type B
Unit Type C
Building Section
Unit Type D
Second Floor Plan
COURTYARD VARIETY SKINNY ROWHOUSE
First Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
Fourth Floor Plan
Roof Plan
Sectional Perspective
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Site analysis of the existing urban conditions of the neighborhood in regards to transportation (public and private), land use and distribution of green spaces gave for a particular aggregation strategy across ASSIA BELGUEDJ INSTRUCTOR HACIN
the entire site. The site is divided into three larger blocks containing smaller and more intimate blocks within them. The aggregation within the three blocks is to encourage a sense of community amongst the residents, with placement of public spaces for leisure and recreation across the many smaller blocks.
Site Diagrams
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Figure/Ground Diagram
COURTYARD VARIETY SKINNY ROWHOUSE Aerial Perspective
Block Sectional Perspective 37
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DAN ADAMS
The inspiration for this design came from the phenomena of
INSTRUCTOR
the suburban lifestyle. Freedom of the outdoors and access
MICHAEL GROGAN
to exterior living space lead to the question of how to make
URBAN SUBURB SKINNY ROWHOUSE
URBAN SUBURB this possible in an urban setting. The most logical answer was to utilize space on the roof which typically goes unused. Combining the “Skinny Rowhouse� typology with a centralized stair core and access to the roof resulted in a balanced programmatic distribution of space. The stair simultaneously maintains privacy along the vertical axis for the bedrooms on either side and brings guests to the public space on the top floors.
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The urban aggregation strategy is based upon two main goals—creating density and encouraging urban neighbors. By providing rooftop yards, residents will have the same opportunity to develop relationships DAN ADAMS INSTRUCTOR GORGAN
with neighbors just as residents do in a suburban context. This is made possible by providing a high level of dense aggregation.
The existing bike path remains to be used as a termination point for pedestrian walkways. Two formal green spaces were also added in order to balance density with open green spaces. Site Diagram - Major/Minor Axis
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Site Diagram - Green Space
URBAN SUBURB SKINNY ROWHOUSE Aerial Perspective
Street Elevation
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DAN ADAMS INSTRUCTOR GORGAN Street View Perspective
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Figure/Ground Diagram
Master Bedroom Perspective
Third Floor Plan
URBAN SUBURB SKINNY ROWHOUSE
Fourth Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
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DAN ADAMS INSTRUCTOR GORGAN 44
Zones
Building Section
Bedrooms/Private Space
Core Space
Building Section
Public Space
URBAN SUBURB SKINNY ROWHOUSE Interior Perspective
Interior Perspective - Living Space
45
DARIEN FORTIER
The organization of the skinny rowhouse unit aims to address
INSTRUCTOR
the challenges of lighting the center of the unit and creating an
MICHAEL GROGAN
appropriate connection between exterior and interior. Therefore,
BLURRING BOUNDARIES SKINNY ROWHOUSE
BLURRING BOUNDARIES private bedrooms were placed into two boxes, both opening outward to enjoy light and views from either end of the unit. The negative space between the two boxes became the public space. Two unit variations resulted from flipping the orientation of the unit from back to front. One unit type had a 2 story street front while the other had a 3 story street front allowing for a distinction in composition between major and minor streets and streets bordering green spaces. The major streets were composed of the taller units repeated rhythmically with the facade designed in a way to excentuate the skinny quality and height of the unit. Minor streets and those bordering southern green spaces were arranged with an AB pattern that allows light to penetrate deeper into the site.
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DARIEN FORTIER INSTRUCTOR GROGAN
Aerial Perspective
48
BLURRING BOUNDARIES SKINNY ROWHOUSE Street Perspective
Street Section
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DARIEN FORTIER INSTRUCTOR GROGAN Unit B Section
Concept Diagram
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Unit A Section
Unit B
Second Floor Plan
BLURRING BOUNDARIES SKINNY ROWHOUSE
Third Floor Plan
First Floor Plan Unit B Axonometric
Unit A Third Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
First Floor Plan Unit A Axonometric
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The overall site strategy was meant to extend the DARIEN FORTIER INSTRUCTOR GROGAN
South End quality into Roxbury and provide a buffer between the residents and the noise from Melnea Cass Ave. Therefore the block strategy of the south was repeated throughout the site, a green belt was enhanced bordering Melnea Cass, and the block oretation of the eastern end of the site was flipped to divert attention away from the large obtrusive existing buildings to the east, and instead create an axis that makes the hospital tower and new park focal points of
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Site Analysis
Figure/Ground Diagram
Site Plan
Street Elevation 53
BLURRING BOUNDARIES SKINNY ROWHOUSE
LUCAS CARRIERE
The Roxbury site, unique in both its typology and
INSTRUCTOR
socioeconomic class became an area of architectural and
ALYSON TANGUAY
cultural resolution in this proposed site planning strategy. The
MIXED INCOME SKINNY ROWHOUSE
MIXED INCOME presence of lower income/authority housing was addressed both at the level of the site plan and at the scale of the single unit. A varying number of units across the site, a mixture of “moderate” and “luxury”, as well as retail all conjoin in an appropriately buffered and scaled resolution, one that is architecturally conscience through a common facade and massing strategy. A landscape element (both greenery and hardscaping features) intersects the blocks at their highest density as an urban relief. At their smaller scale, these spaces become shared, uniting, private, and public elements.
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LUCAS CARRIERE INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY
Site Plan 56
Aerial View
Block Section 57
MIXED INCOME SKINNY ROWHOUSE
LUCAS CARRIERE INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY In the adjacent comparison between existing conditions and proposed conditions; both levels of the site strategy are illustrated. The site plan, coding the differing unit types, reinforces this strategy at the scale of the block and the individual housing unit.
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Site Concept Diagram
Figure/Ground Diagram
MIXED INCOME SKINNY ROWHOUSE Aerial Perspective
Proposed Green Space
Existing Row Houses
Existing Low Income
Proposed Housing
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LUCAS CARRIERE INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY Elevations (Moderate 1)
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Building Section (Luxury 3)
Elevations (Luxury 1)
Elevations (Luxury 3)
Building Section (Moderate 1)
Second Floor Plan
First Floor Plan (Moderate 1)
MIXED INCOME SKINNY ROWHOUSE
(Moderate 1)
Second Floor Plan (Luxury 3)
First Floor Plan (Luxury 3)
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BRYAN ALLEN
No two apartments are lived in the same way, but in a row-
INSTRUCTOR
house development an architect/urban planner must rely on
SAM CHOI
some amount of repetition. This scheme attempted to adapt
LIVING IN DIFFERENT WAYS SKINNY ROWHOUSE
LIVING IN DIFFERENT WAYS three identical "skinny" parcels for two types of residents singles and families. The "skinny" parcel were combined with a duplex to create a variety of unit types including flats, family duplex, family "skinny" and "bachlor/bachelorette. This project aims to develop units for different modes of living — “Flat”, “Family” and “Bachelor/Bachelorette.
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BRYAN ALLEN INSTRUCTOR CHOI First Floor Plans
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Unit Section
Alley Elevation
Street Elevation 65
LIVING IN DIFFERENT WAYS SKINNY ROWHOUSE
BRYAN ALLEN INSTRUCTOR CHOI Master Plan
66
Sectional Elevation
LIVING IN DIFFERENT WAYS SKINNY ROWHOUSE
When we began to aggregate the units across the site, it was helpful to analyze the local area to determine important patterns and thoroughfares.
After the first version of the masterplan (top right), the second version begins to address the rift in the urban fabric created by Melnea Cass Blvd (see bottom left).
Urban Site Analysis
Figure Ground/Site Specific Analysis
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BRYAN ALLEN INSTRUCTOR CHOI Unit Interior View - Living Room
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Unit Interior View - From Bedroom to Living
Unit Interior View - in Stair-wall
Unit Axons
Block Study - Ground Plan 69
LIVING IN DIFFERENT WAYS SKINNY ROWHOUSE
BRYAN ALLEN INSTRUCTOR CHOI Block Study Perspective
Block Study Long Elevation
70
Master Plan Aerial Perspective 71
LIVING IN DIFFERENT WAYS SKINNY ROWHOUSE
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PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE CHRIS FREDA DAN ARTIGES WHITNEY CHICOINE TIM LORANGER
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CHRIS FREDA
The interlocking rowhouse strategy provided me with an
INSTRUCTOR
opportunity to explore a different type of living experience.
DAVID HACIN
The nature of the interlocking typology allows units distinct advantages over the typical rowhouse typology. First, rowhouses are not bound to the typical front-to-back layout which minimizes facade exposure and limits floor plan layout. Interlocking units can push and pull in various ways to allow for
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE
a more comfortable living arrangment while maximizing facade exposure. Second, the interlocking strategy allows for units and their occupants to interact in ways otherwise not possible. The interlocking of units creates overlapping of volumes and opportunity for visual and physical access to shared spaces.
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CHRIS FREDA INSTRUCTOR HACIN
Aerial Perspective
76
Block Plan
Street Elevation 77
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
The logic of shared space and interactivity from the interlocking townhouse unit was amplified and applied throughout the site. This presented many opportunities for different qualities and sizes of spaces utilized by residents of the units, blocks, development and city as a whole.
CHRIS FREDA INSTRUCTOR HACIN Site Traffic
78
Concept Diagram
Mixed Use Units
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE Block Perspective
Street Elevation
79
CHRIS FREDA INSTRUCTOR HACIN 80
First Floor Plan
Section
Second Floor Plan
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
Third Floor Plan
Unit Section
Courtyard Elevation
Front Elevation
81
DAN ARTIGES
The Push-Pull Unit is based on the lateral movement of the
INSTRUCTOR
party wall separating two parcels. The strategy for this design
SAM CHOI
began with two extended service cores. The party wall wraps around these cores creating large living spaces at the center of the parcels. The push of this volume is accentuated within the adjacent unit by negative space produced from the floor pulling away from the extending volume. Each unit in a pair of
PUSHED PARTY WALL PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
PUSHED PARTY WALL
parcels is given a larger extended living space.
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DAN ARTIGES INSTRUCTOR CHOI
Concept Diagram
84
The strategy for the site was to create a green envelope for the aggregated units that connects the two large park spaces while surrounding and separating the neighborhood of aggregated units from the major streets
PUSHED PARTY WALL PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
surrounding the site.
Site Plan
Sectional Model
85
Parti-walls and cores
DAN ARTIGES INSTRUCTOR CHOI 86
Building Section
First Floor
Second Floor
Facade
Second Floor Plan
PUSHED PARTY WALL PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
Third Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
87
WHITNEY CHICOINE
The nature of the push-pull rowhouse type allows for the
INSTRUCTOR
designer to take advantage of a flexible party wall. In my
ALYSON TANGUAY
design, there is a shared zone between two row houses where the party wall undulates back and forth. This provides the opportunity for certain rooms to get larger where they need to, and for the circulation space to take up less space in the individual units, by sharing one zone. It also provides an
FLEXIBLE PARTI-WALL PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
FLEXIBLE PARTYWALL
opportunity for a shared light well to bring natural daylight into the center of the units. The party wall is thus semi-transparent at points to allow for natural light to penetrate into both units, from above and from the front and rear facades, while maintaining proper privacy between the units.
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WHITNEY CHICOINE INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 90
Concept Diagram
Basement Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
FLEXIBLE PARTI-WALL PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
Building Section
Second Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
91
The site design is centered around the two main streets, Washington Street and Harrison Avenue. These streets are treated separately, Washington representing the commercial center of the area, and Harrison as a greenway-type boulevard. The bike path is spread through the site, and various parks widen the path.
WHITNEY CHICOINE INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY Site Plan
92
Block Elevation
Site Diagram
Typical Block Plan
Street Section 93
FLEXIBLE PARTI-WALL PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
94
TIM LORANGER
The push/pull typology allows the designer to create unusually
INSTRUCTOR
large rooms for a rowhouse by having the ability to shift and
SAM CHOI
abstract the normally straight parti wall. In doing so this unit became volumetrically symmetrical. The living room was on the front for one unit, while on the back for the other and so forth for each room in the unit. The only aspect which was not symetrical was the entry sequence. Each unit had a main
DOUBLE FRONT BLOCK PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
DOUBLE FRONT BLOCK
entry in the front with a car port in the rear. Because of this double front situation the ally was widened and turned into a pedestrian pathway with a large island running the length of each block in the middle of the parking lanes. This creates a figure ground contrary to that of the existing street condition on the opposite side of the proposed line of the rowhouse.
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TIM LORANGER INSTRUCTOR CHOI 96
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
Fourth Floor Plan
DOUBLE FRONT BLOCK PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE Push/Pull Back Elevation
Block A Street Section
Push/Pull Front Elevation
Skinny Elevation
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TIM LORANGER INSTRUCTOR CHOI
Master Plan 98
Washington Street is the primary retail center on the site and this was continued with the placement of most retail units along Washington. Harrison is a less traveled resedential street which becomes a spine for the residential streets to branch off of. The park was DOUBLE FRONT BLOCK PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
moved from one end of the site to the other so that it was closer to the exisiting school and the bulk of the resedential units on site.
Site Analysis
Site Analysis
Site Analysis
99
TIM LORANGER INSTRUCTOR CHOI 100
Model Perspective
Model Perspective
Model Perspective
Model Perspective
Perspective
Block B Elevation 101
DOUBLE FRONT BLOCK PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE
TIM LORANGER INSTRUCTOR CHOI Terrace (Roof) Perspective
102
Block A Section
DOUBLE FRONT BLOCK PUSH-PULL ROWHOUSE Street Perspective
Block B Section
103
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STACKED DUPLEXES ALEXANDER DAVIS BENJAMIN HOCHBERG SARA LAPORTE
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DEVIANT ROWHOUSE ALEXANDER DAVIS
What is a Rowhouse?
INSTRUCTOR Does it repeat over and over again? Does it share a constant parti wall? Does it keep a constant street edge? Throughout the development of this project, at both unit and site scales, there was a constant idea to test the boundaries of what a neighborhood of rowhouses should and can be. Although the design scale varies throughout, the concept remains the same. At both unit and site scales, the pedestrian
DEVIANT ROWHOUSE STACKED DUPLEXES
MICHAEL GROGAN
travels along a threading circulation path that stitches spaces together (apartments or blocks). This resulting corridor ends in either an exterior terrace or large recreational area. The resulting design, although deviant from normal Rowhouse design, explores the possibilities of the rowhouse archetype.
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At the site scale, the varying blocks are treated very similar to the various apartment units at the unit scale. A pedestrian corridor threads its way through the site much like the main staircase threads through each rowhouse. This pedestrian corridor meanders through the site connecting each block with important existing buildings, proposed commercial space and large recreational areas. As this corridor passes through blocks, open spaces are created that allow for various social and recreational activities to take place.
ALEXANDER DAVIS INSTRUCTOR GROGAN 108
DEVIANT ROWHOUSE STACKED DUPLEXES
Site Plan
Street Perspective
Street Perspective
109
Section Model with Pedestrian Corridor
ALEXANDER DAVIS INSTRUCTOR GROGAN 110
Street Section
DEVIANT ROWHOUSE STACKED DUPLEXES
Block Plan
Stitched Open Space
Threaded Pedestrian Corridor
Automobile Traffic Hierarchy
111
Unit Section 2
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
ALEXANDER DAVIS INSTRUCTOR GROGAN
Unit Section 1
112
Unit Section 4
Third Floor Plan
Fourth Floor Plan
DEVIANT ROWHOUSE STACKED DUPLEXES
Unit Section 3
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PENETRATING MASS BENJAMIN HOCHBERG
The row house is designed for the mass to interact with
INSTRUCTOR
exterior space. The mass is penetrated by exterior spaces to
ALYSON TANGUAY
allow both the ground floor and upper floor apartments their own “front door” and access from both the alley and the
Portions of the building volume protrude to allow for private exterior spaces. When these spaces interact with their environment on the building’s facade, it results in shadow. Futhermore, when they interact with street level, they create a mediating zone between the sidewalk and the semi-private
PENETRATING MASS STACKED DUPLEXES
street.
entry.
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The site has three conditions of street: a long busy street that acts as a barrier, main South End streets, Stacked Duplexes
and smaller interior streets. The three types of buildings respond to each of these conditions. Tying them together and uniting the new development with the urban fabric is a border park.
Duplex Over Retail Flat
BENJAMIN HOCHBERG INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 116
Live/work Duplex Over Retail
Public Space
Building Types Diagram
Urban Concept Diagram - Two sides joined with a pin
PENETRATING MASS STACKED DUPLEXES Detail Block Plan
Street Elevation
117
Street Section BENJAMIN HOCHBERG INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 118
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
PENETRATING MASS STACKED DUPLEXES
Street Elevation
Third Floor Plan
Fourth Floor Plan
119
"L" SECTION SARA LAPORTE
The stacked duplex unit type incorporates four distinct units
INSTRUCTOR
over a 40’ x 60’ parcel. While typically the units are stacked
SAM CHOI
above one another, this design takes advantage of an “L-shaped” section to accommodate circulation requirements and organize program spaces within the unit. To reach the top both the circulation for each unit as well as the service spaces, and modulates the living spaces for each unit. Upon entering each unit one arrives in an “informal” living area, and passes through the kitchen and dining areas to reach the “formal” living area on an upper level. The bedrooms are located on the
"L" SECTION STACKED DUPLEXES
units one enters through a thick central core. This zone houses
upper floors.
121
SARA LAPORTE INSTRUCTOR CHOI 122
Site Plan
Sectional Perspective
Block Perspective Elevation
"L" SECTION STACKED DUPLEXES
Typical Block Plan
123
As the site lies at the intersection of several programmatic zones— including a residential zone to the north, institutional to the east, and primarily industrial to the south and southwest— the question of edges was important. A landscaped buffer was placed along Melnea Cass, while the typical block plan was altered to avoid creating additional Existing Green Space
Proposed Green Space
intersections along Melnea Cass. Because of its location, the site is also surrounded by irregular geometries. Where these geometries are reconciled, “pocket parks” are placed that relate to the neighborhood on a smaller scale, while the existing park to the north relates to the larger community.
SARA LAPORTE INSTRUCTOR CHOI
Stacked duplexes are placed along the main thoroughfares, while interlocking units are placed along the north to south connecting one way streets. To help keep traffic off of these streets, a two way Existing Vehicular Circulation
Proposed Vehicular Circulation
north-south connector is located on the eastern end of the site. Commercial program fills the southern most blocks to relate to their industrial and commercial context.
124
Figure/Ground Diagram
AGGREGATION UNIT TYPES
STACKED DUPLEX: TYPICAL UNIT: 4 UNITS
STACKED DUPLEX:
EXISTING BUILDINGS INTERLOCKING:
TYPICAL UNIT: 2 UNITS
STACKED DUPLEX: ONE PARCEL: 2 UNITS
"L" SECTION STACKED DUPLEXES
RETAIL UNIT: 3 UNITS / RETAIL
Unit Aggregation Diagram
Sectional Perspective
125
Programmatic Diagram
Unit Concept Diagram
SARA LAPORTE INSTRUCTOR CHOI 126
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
Unit Circulation and Spatial Separation
"L" SECTION STACKED DUPLEXES
Unit Perspectives
Fourth Floor Plan
Fifth Floor Plan
Unit Perspectives
127
128
2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT ASHLEY HOPWOOD DENNIS GREENWOOD ERICA LELIEVRE NICOLE FICHERA SAMUEL CLEMENT
129
BLENDING TYPES ASHLEY HOPWOOD
The idea for my unit and master plan is to blend families
INSTRUCTOR
and working singles. The unit plan, while balanced in square
ALYSON TANGUAY
footage, has more bedrooms with less living space for the working singles, and fewer bedrooms and more living space for the families. The blocks on the North edge of the site feature the family units, blocks on the South edge of the site feature multi-tenant Live work units line the blocks along Melnea Cass. The green space on the site is a combination of two large parks, one for families and one for working singles, and a buffer zone between housing and the busy Melnea Cass Boulevard.
BLENDING TYPES 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
units, and the blocks in between feature combination units.
131
ASHLEY HOPWOOD INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY
Aerial Perspective 132
BLENDING TYPES 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Perspective - Family Park
View From Second Floor Balcony
View From Third Floor Balcony
133
The master plan is arranged according to major thoroughfares and existing neighborhoods. Family housing is close to the housing developments in the Northwest edge of the site while multi-tenant housing is close to the major businesses and commercial areas lining the site. Major pedestrian roads respond to the parks and retail areas of the site.
ASHLEY HOPWOOD INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 134
Family Units
Multi-tenant Units
Concept Diagram - Housing Types
Live Work Units
BLENDING TYPES 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Perspective of Multi-Tenant Park
Site Analysis - Vehicular Traffic
Site Analysis - Pedestrian Traffic
135
First Floor Plan
ASHLEY HOPWOOD INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 136
Section through Alley
Second Floor Plan
BLENDING TYPES 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Third Floor Plan
Street Perspective from Melnea Cass Boulevard.
137
VOID + WEDGE DENNIS GREENWOOD
The project explores the typology of the rowhouse (specifically
INSTRUCTOR
duplexes over a flat) by removing party walls, a typically
ALLYSON TANGUAY
defining characteristic. A void replaces the party wall and becomes an exterior zone of pushing and pulling private spaces. This creates a reciprocal relationship between the units while allowing light and ventilation to reach the flat below. This “void� space then becomes a flexible zone in the geometries. A wedge shaped variation of the design allows a strip of rowhouses to curve along the block. In a similar approach, wedge shaped greenspaces are used on the larger urban scale to regulate city block geometries.
VOID + WEDGE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
rowhouse as it can be manipulated to adjust to site
139
DENNIS GREENWOOD INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY
Aerial Perspective 140
Street Perspective
VOID + WEDGE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Block Section
141
The site seeks to bridge the divide created by Washington Street while providing a buffer from the Melnea Cass thoroughfare. First floor retail units line pedestrian friendly Washington Street and a bike path and row of streetside trees skirt Melnea Cass. Rowhouse variations were created to satisfy the needs of the site and the principles of the design. The greenspaces are designed to regulate the city blocks, while creating a focal point within the site.
Commercial Approx. 200,000 SF
Retail Residential DENNIS GREENWOOD INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY
53 Mixed Units
Residential (3 Units per Parcel)
Site Diagram
142
Wedge Shaped Unit Variation
Street Perspective
Street Perspective
VOID + WEDGE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Concept Diagram
143
Street Perspective
DENNIS GREENWOOD INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 144
Block Section
Block Elevation
VOID + WEDGE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Street Perspective
145
Unit Section 1
DENNIS GREENWOOD INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 146
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Sectional Diagram
Unit Elevation
VOID + WEDGE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Unit Section 2
Third Floor Plan
147
DOUBLE WIDE ERICA LELIEVRE
The ground floor unit is a flat that takes up two parcels, and
INSTRUCTOR
so becomes 40 foot wide. Above it are two duplexes, each
MICHAEL GROGAN
20’ wide. These three units share a 14’ wide central core that holds all of the bathrooms, kitchens, and closet spaces. The residual spaces on either side hold the living spaces, such as
DOUBLE WIDE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
the bedrooms and living rooms.
149
ERICA LELIEVRE INSTRUCTOR GROGAN
150
Block Elevation
DOUBLE WIDE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Section Model
151
The site is split into three different zones, each of which has its own interior community open space.
Retail space is spread throughout the site in two different ways. The first, which can be seen along Washington street, is the “exterior facing” retail meant for the general public. Here the retail would be located on the first floor with duplexes above. The second type of retail is the “interior facing” retail which is located inside each of the zones. This would be community space for the people who live in the area. This interior facing retail has two different unit types. In the first type the retail is on the ground floor with the duplex units above. In the second type, seen on the corners, community space happens on all three floors.
Zoning Diagram
ERICA LELIEVRE INSTRUCTOR GROGAN 152
Figure Ground Diagram
Unit Types Diagram
The interior-facing retail space has a large buffer zone between the street and the open space that becomes a walking arcade. This connects all of the retail space and also becomes a part of the pathways that connect the corner community spaces.
DOUBLE WIDE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Street Section
Street Perspective
Street Perspective
153
The open spaces inside the zones also become program. In this example the playground is sunken into the ground, eliminating the need for fencing.
Perspective
ERICA LELIEVRE INSTRUCTOR GROGAN 154
Section Type 1
Section Type 2
Section Type 1
Block Diagram or Unit Diagram
Section Type 2
DOUBLE WIDE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Perspective
155
Longitudinal Section
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
ERICA LELIEVRE INSTRUCTOR GROGAN
Lateral Section
156
Front Elevation
Third Floor Plan
Interior Perspective
DOUBLE WIDE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Corner Elevation
157
THICK ZONE CORE NICOLE FICHERA
This project is based on a basic unit type of two duplexes
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over a flat. The main concept is the expansion of the party
SAM CHOI
wall between the two vertical duplex units into a thick zone, which contains all of the closed poche functions for the entire building: primarily circulation, bathrooms, kitchens, closets, laundry, et cetera. Attached to the thick zone on each side are closed bedroom the units (service and sleeping) occur in the closed volumes of the bedrooms and the thick central core. The public living spaces (kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms) are then formed by the open interstitial spaces between these closed elements.
THICK ZONE CORE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
‘boxes,’ offset at split levels. Thus, all of the private functions of
159
The diagram at right depicts the unit concept as applied to the block. The central thick zone within the unit is conceived as something which is experiential—you are required at all times to interact with it and pass through it to get from space to space. By applying that concept to the front of the aggregated block, a thick facade zone is formed which mediates between the private world of the unit interior and the public life of the street.
The elevation is conceived in terms of the block as a Edge Block Elevation Axonometric
series of carved layers and frames with a projecting living room volume. The layers make the thick zone inhabitable in the same way as the core. On a larger scale, the concept of a thick zone is used to form a plan based on superblocks. The size of the blocks responds to the character of the site. It
NICOLE FICHERA INSTRUCTOR CHOI
is a part of the South End, which has a fine-grained rowhouse texture, but it is additionaly a fringe condition, surrounded by strips of industrial and medical buildings. Thus, a modified version of the block elevation incorporates a block-size unifying frame element, and has less projections (which serve to break down scale). Thus, the edge walls of the super-block are unified and read as larger scale, and Thick Zone Applied to Block Facade
160
the interiors of the blocks respond to the residential, individual rowhouses.
THICK ZONE CORE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Site Plan
Street Perspective
Block Elevation
161
LIV
I SP NG AC E
Section Option 1: SPLIT LEVEL increased spatial complexity and depth, diagonal relationship of public and private
BE
DR
OO
M
CO
RE
Section Option 2: PACKED CENTRAL CORE thickened party wall containing poche spaces [wet + dry], leaving side spaces as public rooms
NICOLE FICHERA INSTRUCTOR CHOI HYBRID RESULT thickened party wall containing poche spaces; private 162
Organizational Concept Diagram
and public spaces offset
Axonometric Diagram 163
THICK ZONE CORE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
The inhabitable core is modified by a series of additive and subtractive operations. Spaces are carved out of the thick zone for spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and circulation. In other cases, the core expands, sticking out into the room with balconies and fireplaces. The nature of a rowhouse is to have long, narrow spaces; by making the core inhabitable and letting it divide spaces by pushing out, the rooms can be divided into more appropriate proportional dimensions. In the flat unit, the core breaks off into smaller pieces, allowing a kitchen space in the center. In all three units, the user constantly moves in and out of the core, using it as circulation and inhabitable space. Gaps in the third floor allow the core to read as an uninterrupted wall rising through the space. The separation of the bedroom volumes on each end creates a dramatic open vertical space above the dining room, Unit Section
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
NICOLE FICHERA INSTRUCTOR CHOI
bringing light into the middle of the unit with a skylight.
164
THICK ZONE CORE 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Exploded Axon
Third Floor Plan
Fourth Floor Plan
165
THE MISSING LINK SAMUEL CLEMENT
The goal of the housing project was to create an ultra
INSTRUCTOR
pedestrian friendly master plan that would draw pedestrians
ALYSON TANGUAY
from the Boston Medical Center west of the site as well as pedestrians from the apartment complexes to the north. In order to do this a hierarchy of open spaces is arranged to tempt public use. To draw users from the apartments a baseball/recreational field was placed at the Northern most edge of the site. Likewise a vast stretch of landscape tempts the site. These open spaces are attached to a single road going through the site about which smaller open spaces are arranged to encourage travel to the commercial center along Harrison Ave.
THE MISSING LINK 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
the Mass Ave travelers to enter the south west portion of
167
SAMUEL CLEMENT INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY
Aerial Perspective 168
THE MISSING LINK 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Block Plan
Block Elevation 169
Building Section
SAMUEL CLEMENT INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 170
Building Section
Unit Concept Diagram
Third Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
THE MISSING LINK 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Second Floor Plan
171
The pedestrians paths of movement along the center road and the bike path along Melnea Cass draw travelers to rows of commercial development (grey) along Washington St. and Harrison Ave. Staggered blocks are generated to widen the alley as a second row house type (Gate Unit, in black) negotiates this shift.
SAMUEL CLEMENT INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 172
Concept Diagram
Building Types Diagram
Street Section THE MISSING LINK 2 DUPLEXES OVER FLAT
Street Perspective
173
174
INTERLOCKING ROWHOUSE ALLISON BROWNE DIANA LATTARI
175
GREEN CORRIDORS ALLISON BROWNE
At the unit scale the architecture take the attitude that one
INSTRUCTOR
can design with specific lifestyles in mind. At the block scale
ALYSON TANGUAY
yards are defined by sectional variation in order to create thresholds into the different apartments. Raised green space is given over to the street creating more private outdoor spaces behind. At the scale of the city three green corridors are main throughfares and retail is introduced to respond to specific
GREEN CORRIDORS INTERLOCKING ROWHOUSE
conditions on the site, such as the institutions surrounding it.
177
ALLISON BROWNE INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY
Block Elevation 178
Site Plan
Concept Diagram 179
GREEN CORRIDORS INTERLOCKING ROWHOUSE
Our site sits on a transitionary area in the urban fabric. It is bordered by Melnea Cass Boulevard which acts as a division between regular and irregular road types. It is also at a place where many different types of zoning come together.
Site Analysis - Land Use Zoning and Regulating Lines
ALLISON BROWNE INSTRUCTOR TANGUAY 180
Building Section
Building Section
Fourth Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
GREEN CORRIDORS INTERLOCKING ROWHOUSE
Second Floor Plan
181
182
TWO WIDE DIANA LATTARI
The interlocking prototype of row housing consists of two
INSTRUCTOR
units that share one parcel. The units interlock volumetrically,
SAM CHOI
wrapping around each other across the parcel and each consisting of three volumes. The dynamic shift in shape and size of the volumes changes in response to the parcel dimensions. The top volume holds private program, the middle public, and the ground a mix of both. All circulation through the units is located in the center of the parcel along the party wall that separates the two units. Additionally, each unit has an entrance from the street as well as access to a back alley,
TWO WIDE INTERLOCKING ROWHOUSE
which also accomodates parking for each unit.
183
Second Floor Plan
Fourth Floor Plan
PLAN
Third Floor Plan
Unit Section 1
Unit Section 2
DIANA LATTARI INSTRUCTOR CHOI
First Floor Plan
184
Corner Unit Front Elevation
Corner Unit Side Elevation
TWO WIDE INTERLOCKING ROWHOUSE
Typical Unit Front Elevation
Sectional Model Through Typical Interlocking Units
185
Street Perspective
DIANA LATTARI INSTRUCTOR CHOI 186
Typical Block Parti Diagram
The site is bound by prominent existing roads. By extending these roads through the site, I was able to create a grid, broken into three zones, within which I placed the city blocks. The size and shape of these blocks picks up on nearby existing urban fabric patterning. A belt of greenspace acts as a buffer along Melnea Cass Boulevard in each of the zones.
TWO WIDE INTERLOCKING ROWHOUSE
Site Analysis: Major and Minor Streets
Figure/Ground Diagram
Site Analysis: Hierarchy of Greenspace
187
There are two different unit types included in my aggregation: the interlocking unit type (below) and the stacked duplex unit type (right). These types yielded multiple unit variations, some accomodating retail space on the ground floor or adjusting to meet a block corner condition. The varying unit types were then used to create patterning in the block schemes as well as the overall site aggregation.
DIANA LATTARI INSTRUCTOR CHOI 188
In addition to identifying each different unit used in the aggregation, these diagrams also discuss the
public and private areas, with green representing the most private of spaces and yellow representing the most public.
TWO WIDE INTERLOCKING ROWHOUSE
program of each layout as well as
189
Block Plan
DIANA LATTARI INSTRUCTOR CHOI 190
Site Section Through Typical Interlocking Units
TWO WIDE INTERLOCKING ROWHOUSE Site Section Through Corner Interlocking Units
191
192
ROWHOUSES ARCH 5110 HOUSING AND AGGREGATION SPRING 2010 The projects in this volume were designed as prototypical residential types and city block plans by fourth-year students in the undergradu足ate architecture program at Northeastern University in Boston.