underneath on Storrow Dr boathouse. One level de celebrating the athletes w Rigor Plateau
Layers of circulations Cambridge,Layers MA of Circulation Charles
Cool Down
River
Layers of circulation
Rigor
Foundation Studio: Boat House on The Charles River Site: Boston, MA Rigor
Proposed Site
Instructor: Gregory Buck, 617 262 5000
Project Details: Academic Studio: Boston Architectural College (BAC) Scope: Individual Project by Shihab Naeem Project Objective: Select and analyze a site for proposed boathouse, develop a conceptual analysis of site and translate ideas into a boathouse. Duration: 8 Weeks Date: 2nd 1/2 of Fall 2001 Semester
Rigor
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Plateau
Layering of Program Cool Down
Layers of circulations
Layering of Program
In these mod and fan spac team room w Layers of circulation
Site Analysis
The first part of this assignment required us to analyze the Charles and find an area that has an engaging design concept and capture it’s essence through diagrams, drawings and a model. The Charles River has amazing backdrops of the Boston city skyline. Plus nature is wild and free by the river. It’s a peaceful area to walk, run or bike. It’s peaceful and the existing boathouses on this river just add to the serenity.
The first part of the assignment required the class to analyze the Charles River, a river which separates Boston, MA with Cambridge, MA. It is a remarkable river where nature runs freely, it has beautiful biking and walking paths and it is serene. There are several boathouse on this river and it is a great setting for a proposed one. We were individually required to find a site and capture its essence through graphical and physical representations: diagrams, sketches, drawings and models.
The area which caught my attention was the intersection between Storrow Drive and The Longfellow Bridge. I found it interesting how this very busy spot was near Beacon Hill, one of the most peaceful areas in all of Boston. An area known for it’s rolling hills and classic Bostonian designs.
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Site Analysis The area which caught my attention was thethe intersection between StorrowBridge Drive and Theand Longfellow The area which caught my attention was an area that intersected Beacon Hill, Longfellow Storrow Drive. I found it interBridge. I found it interesting how this very busy spot was near Beacon Hill, one of the most peaceful esting that within these intersecting elements led to a peaceful and historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill. areas in all of Boston. An area known for it’s rolling hills and classic Bostonian designs.
The area which caught my attention was the intersection between Storrow Drive and The Longfellow Bridge. I found it interesting how this very busy spot was near Beacon Hill, one of the most peaceful areas in all of Boston. An area known for it’s rolling hills and classic Bostonian designs. 21
21 Selected Site
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Instructor: Gregory Buck Gregory Buck Instructor:
Site Analysis Studying the site further showed me how there was a layering of circulation. Below Is sketch showing this relationship. The Orange Represents The Longfellow Bridge, The Green Represents the Highway called Storrow Drive and the Red Indicates the Bike/Walking path.
Studying the site further showed that there are interventions within these layers of circulation. One of them is the stairway which allows one to cross over Storrow Drive.
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Site Model A Site Model at a scale of 1/16” = 1’-0” was constructed to further analyze the area. The area of model measures 372’ x 402’. The bridge represents Longfellow Bridge. Within this series of layering emerges several conditions: The monolithic Longfellow Bridge has a strong presence as it carries 2 forms transportation: cars and train. It hovers above the Highway (Storrow Drive) which exudes a franticness as cars commute at high speeds. While the Charles River is tranquil, it adds a sense of peacefulness to the biking/walking path. Analysis has shown that the different forms of layering express a certain amount of contrasts and contradictions.
Train Track Street or Cars Highway (Storrow Drive)
Biking, Walking Path Charles River
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Site Analysis Into Building Translation Recognizing that the site had layers of circulation, I wanted to further the analysis through additional sketches and then into a preliminary set of building diagrams.
I began the design of the boathouse with the idea of layering as the concept. I initially starting thinking of layering areas of function. I thought of layering the areas dedicated to exercise (purple) while layering areas of contemplation, i.e. public spaces (blue).
I started to consider the topmost floor as a mezzanine that hovers above the lower levels in the sort of manner of the site. I began to consider the basement level as the area to house the athletic spaces. 15
Preliminary Floor Layout As layering became the conceptual idea, I started to consider the organization as a layering of activities with its own specific role. The Basement would house the athletic spaces, the first level would house the public space and the top level would be a ceremonial space where the athletes would reflect and convene in meeting rooms and an exercise center.
Ceremonial Space Public/Interactive Athletic
Athletic
Athletic Athletic
public/interactive public/interactive
Ceremonial Space
Public/Interactive Athletic Athletic
ceremonial ceremonial
public/interactive public/interactive
ceremonial ceremonial
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Site Model on Site A site model at a scale of 1/16” = 1’-0” composed of different layers of organizations would be placed on site model.
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Developing a Boathouse With a Relationship to Rowing After Conceiving of a building composed of layered elements, I wanted to push the design further by creating an interior that had an interventionist quality like a bridge near the site, the Storrow Drive Bridge.
I then thought about the actual rigor involved in the sport of crew. Through discussion with other crew racers, I learned that the sport is based on intense exertion followed by a down and then again exertion. I wanted to create a ramp movement with the interior that would emulate this idea.
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Final Model
Site Plan
For the final model, I felt the transparency and glazing in the design was of utmost importance in providing views of the Charles River. Crew athletes would use this space for both the season and off-season to train. Because the sport is so demanding, the athletes need to spend a lot of time here.
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Final Elevations/Sections
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Final Elevations/Sections
2. Ceremonial 1. Public/Interactive 0. Athletic
0. Athletic
1. Public/Interactive
2. Ceremonial
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1. Boat Storage 5. Home’s Coaching Room 2. Men’s Locker Room 6. Visitor’s Locker Room 3. Women’s Locker Room 7. Men’s Bathroom 4. Visitor’s Coaching Room 8. Women’s Bathroom
12. Cafe 9. Boat Storage 10. Miscellaneous Storage 13. Deck 14. Function Hall 11. Dock 15. Indoor Rowing Tank
16. Weight Room 17. Meeting Hall 21