nataliawie thesis

Director of Thesis: Ian F. Taberner, AIAThesis Advisor: Robert Hsiung, AIAThesis Clients: Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy Boston Public Market Associa on MBTADesign Cri cs: Russel Feldman, AIA Cedric Robinson, AIA Arthur Cohen, AIA Morel Orta, AIA Consultants: Structural Engineer: Amir Mesgar MEP Engineer: Bruce MacRitchie

Thesis Director Ian F. Taberner, AIA

Thesis Advisor Robert Hsiung, AIA

T P S U A C W S

The Boston Architectural College

Natalia WieczorekMaster of ArchitectureMay 23, 2014Final Review: April 22, 2014

Title Page 1 Table of Contents 2 Acknowledgements 4 Resume 6 Execu ve Summary 9

Thesis Overview 11 Thesis I 22 Introductory Review 24 Preliminary Review 38 Schema c Review 54 Thesis II 76 Design Development Review 1 78 Design Development Review 2 102 Final Review 122 Conclusions 146

APPENDIX

Thesis Proposal 152

2TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S

4AC K N O W L E D G E M E N T S

The moment has fi nally arrived. The last project is complete.The last cri c has given his insights.The last pot of late night co ee has been drunk. The road to this M. Arch. degree has been a LONG process that began a decade ago at the University of Texas in San Antonio. This journey has taken me across the country and shi ed my views about architecture and design along the way.

There have been many people who have helped guide and shape me along the way: every professor who pushed me to explore new ideas, every stranger who provided his or her input about a project, every friend who reminded me that I could fi nish on me even when things seemed hopeless. Thank you all for helping me arrive at the fi nish line rela vely unscathed.

E Boston Architectural College Master of Architecture May 2014 University of TX San Antonio B.S. Architecture Cum Laude, 2009

P Cut N Edge Barbershop E Designer/Project Manager May 2013 - November 2013 New England Window Systems Assistant Project Manager June 2011 - April 2014 EnerSpec ve Intern July 2010 - December 2010 Holis c Design Documenter June 2010 - August 2010 Absolute Design Partners AutoCAD Dra sman/Intern June 2008 - July 2009 Urban 15/VuTURE Arts Assistant Model Builder October 2007 Parsons 3D/I Intern September 2006 - December 2006 CleaResult Consul ng Energy Consul ng Associate June 2006 - April 2008 O Common Boston E Awards Coordinator July 2013 Ar san Builders/Robert Caruso Volunteer July 2011

Learning by Design Volunteer June 2011

Common Boston Common Build Designer/Builder June 2010

Ecotopian House Project Designer January 2010 -May 2010

Boerne R/UDAT Volunteer May 2008

6RE S U M E

7

T FASTER M FASTER C FASTER

8

America is all about speed. HOT, NASTY, BADASS SPEED. - W F

T The Pace of Space: Urban Architecture as Catalyst for Walking Speed

I North American urban centers tend to be interchangeable - tall, grey buildings, roadways with speeding cars, and sidewalks between the two extremes of stop and go. The architecture that defi nes urban pathways is cold and dark with indis nguishable landmarks that discourage pause and refl ec on. The emphasis is on a quick commute between two points. Though convenient, this way of building reduces peoples recogni on and awareness of their environment. There is no need for pause, no need for curiosity or explora on of ones surroundings. Many of us dont even remember the paths we take on a daily basis. I believe that the rela onship to our surroundings is generated by the architecture that we create, and nowhere is this more apparent than in a dense urban loca on. Like in many other parts of our lives, we strive to go faster. Everyone knows that faster is be er.... but is it really? Our need for speed creates health issues, it disrupts our awareness of the passage of me, and it discourages social interac on.

T This thesis strives to address the above issues by crea ng an urban architecture that facilitates movement at a variety of speeds and encourages pause along the way.

L The project is located at Dewey Square - one of the Southernmost por ons of the Boston Greenway. The site sits atop a highway, part of the South Sta on Lobby, and some of the Red Line tunnel. There is an exis ng air intake structure on the site that cannot be disturbed.

B The building is a collec on of programs deeply related to the T loca on of the project. It is a public market, a visitor center, a P restaurant, a cafe, a public plaza, and a park. The whole is united through pathways, iconic structures, and green spaces.

9 EX E C U T I V E SU M M A R Y

10EX E C U T I V E SU M M A R Y

H D

11 TH E S I S OV E R V I E W

I

This thesis was inspired by my personal fascina on with me. I had been reading a story about a society in which me func oned di erently than ours, and I noted that the architecture of this fantas cal place was deeply infl uenced by the temporal dimension. This led me to wonder whether we, as a culture, represent our concep on of me with our built works.

This original thought led me to some interes ng reading about the nature of me and about how it is perceived by socie es around the world, but I found no wri ng on the subject of mes representa on in architecture. However, the authors of many of these books and studies had inadvertently men oned architecture as a reac on to the perceived movement of me. For instance, in South American cultures such as Brazil - where me is imprecise and fl ows at a leisurely pace - architecture is full of organic curves, bright colors, and places designated for rest. In stark contrast is the culture of New York City. There, me is incredibly strict and fast. Buildings are covered in neutral colors and full of sharp angles that defi ne rigid paths without places for pause.

I came to the conclusion that a societys percep on of me DOES infl uence its architecture. The ques on therefore became, can architecture be designed in such a way as to alter the perceived fl ow of me?

12TH E S I S OV E R V I E W

N A M - R, BO

T N M - NYC, NYSANAA

*Images courtesy of Google


S S

Time is a concept - its not something that literally exists in the world. Therefore, I began to think about how humans perceive the reality of mes passage. The answer: movement. If everything suddenly stopped, me would cease to exist for us. Thus I had designated a criteria for my thesis: the slower the passage of me, the slower the resul ng movement and vice versa. The speed of the given places pace would defi ne the architecture.

I immediately thought of one place in Boston where the clash of two mes could be both felt and seen: Dewey Square. The Square borders the speedy Financial District and acts as a hub for transit due to its proximity to South Sta on. In contrast, the Square is also part of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a chain of pedestrian parks that encourage slowing down and exploring the city. Dewey Square also has an intriguing history: it sits above what was once the high-speed Central Artery highway, and it was the locus of the Occupy Boston movement in 2011.

Recently, Dewey Square has become most recognized for the ar s c murals painted onto its vent structure. This playful development has enhanced the site and given new reason for people to pause and take note. I wanted my project to have a similar e ect.


D S

Financial District

South Sta on


P

Once I established the site, a program needed to be determined. I began by no ng the ac vi es that already take place at the site: a popular seasonal Farmers Market, a successful loca on for Food Trucks, summer fes vals, public exercise sessions, picnicking in the sunshine, urban farming, etc. This led me to two conclusions - Losing the green space would be detrimental to site usage - Food was a great way to bring people into the site

Having made my observa ons, I se led upon a public market as a great way to extend the dura on of the exis ng seasonal Farmers Market. In addi on, there would be a restaurant and cafe that would allow a more in mate se ng both for those who wanted to take their me ea ng and those who just wanted a quick cup of co ee, a soup kitchen as a nod to the Occupy movement and a way to salvage otherwise wasted le overs from the market and restaurant, and an Informa on Center that could connect tourists to the site and the city as well as provide a new entrance for frequent commuters.

In order to retain the green space integral to the public life of the site, I knew from early on that I wanted a walkable green roof to cover the overall program. This would ensure that outdoor events could con nue to take place while also providing a wonderfully insula ve cover for the project.


P P D


S

The hallmark of the project is the control of the speed of movement. Therefore, the design would require areas that encourage myriad paces. The fi nished product contains mul ple paths, mul ple des na ons, and a variety of reasons to pause.

A major organizing principle for the program was to discover ways to bring people into the site rather than allowing them to gather at its periphery, as is currently the case. I began to arrange the program by designa ng fast, slow, and pause areas that would guide the fl ow of people through the site.


P S C D


A I C

Finally, as I got deeper into the design, I realized that something was missing. Though the spaces were arranged in a way that encouraged di erent speeds and the green roof provided plenty of room for outdoor ac vity, there was li le to make the site dis nct from its surroundings.

With encouragement from my advisor, I created several iconic structures that serve to mark myriad entry points, generate a sense of place, and allow for special areas of pause. Their design, composed of slender steel legs and lightweight fi shing nets, implies a sense of movement even as they stand s ll and tower over the site.

20

F I C R

22TH E S I S I

Introductory Review 24

Preliminary Review 38

Schema c Review 54

The Introductory Review serves as an introduc on of the proposed thesis project to the panel, advisor, and thesis group.

The review should address special issues or concerns, thema c concepts, unusual programmes, and large and complex sites. Analysis of any issue is presented and strategies for moving forward are discussed.

24IN T R O D U C T O R Y RE V I E W

25 IN T R O D U C T O R Y RE V I E W

T S

Through use of geometry, scale, and program, architecture should generate spaces that acknowledge and facilitate various pedestrian walking speeds in order to foster an awareness of architectures rela onship to pedestrian movement.

T C

- What seems to a ect pace?- What are the di erent walking speeds that this thesis addresses in terms of the site?- What are the major nodes/points of access to the site? How does this a ect the program?- What is the architectural environment around the site?


C B

S

Dewey Square is surrounded by towers and transit. It is a bland space bordered by businesses that block views further into town and to the waterfront at Ft. Point Channel.

The plaza is cut o from the corridors that lead into it by busy roads. However, these same corridors ensure specifi c points of access to Dewey Square from the Financial District. The crowds gathered at crosswalks have a clear view of their single des na on and follow a single, unmarked path to reach it.

D SR K G


What seems to a ect pace?

In order to answer this ques on, I looked to two places I had recently visited in Europe and several case studies (featured in the appendix).

In Dublin, the buildings appeared to form a corridor toward the landmark needle. A clear des na on with a single, wide path generated speed. In Prague, people gathered in the plaza where there were many ght points of entry with a strongly defi ned border - the people fi ltered in slowly and were encouraged to pause, like an eddy in a river.

O S D

Fast SlowClear des na on No defi ned des na onLack of obstacles Physical and visual obstaclesLack of pauses Places to pauseFamiliarity NoveltySingle path Mul ple paths


C D

S D

U V

S P

F M

M D

O V

C P

S M


What are the di erent walking speeds that this thesis addresses in terms of the site?

Dewey Square is a very speedy loca on at its South-Western edge, but becomes signifi cantly slower along the Eastern and Southern edges. However, the site is also surrounded by fast vehicular tra c at all sides.

The main focus is on the South-Western edge where foot tra c between the Financial District and South Sta on creates an implied tunnel. I intended to disturb this tunnel by genera ng ways for pedestrians to move further into the site at a variety of paces.

U G S

Fast SlowCommuters TouristsJoggers FamiliesMaintenance ShoppersAdministrators VendorsBusinesspeople Homeless

30IN T R O D U C T O R Y RE V I E WIN

S M

FAST

SLOW

SLOW

I P T


What are the major nodes/points of access to the site? How does this a ect the program?

The site has three main points of access: from the Financial District at the Bank of America Building, from the Greenway due North, and from the Ft. Point Channel and South Sta on. The program had to address these three main entry points and create connec ons to the interior of the site.

A

The site sits near a major commuter hub - South Sta on. This is a point of access to all of Boston since its a terminus for the Commuter Rail, buses traversing all of New England, and a major stop on the local T system. South Sta on must remain an easily accessible point within the new design.

P

The major paths that cross the site express the points of access and their a endant speeds. The fastest collec on of paths exist at the South-Western edge, connec ng South Sta on to the Financial District. Other minor paths tend to exist at the periphery of the site, with very few people walking across the green space on a regular basis.


E A D

P A P D

E E D

E V D


What is the architectural environment around the site?

The site is bordered by tall buildings and speedy roadways on all sides. It sits at the border between the Financial District and Fort Point Channel, and is also part of the Rose Kennedy Greenway - a system of parks that connects the city from North to South. The buildings are made of brick or concrete and provide a neutral pale e during the day. At night, the grid of windows is extremely visible and provides and organized backdrop to Dewey Square, The Greenway is a rich grassy fi eld in the summer, but becomes brown and wilted in the o season. Pavers and asphalt are the remaining materials at ground level.

34

D S - A E D S - M S


R P C

- Presenta on needs to show view corridorsto and from site- Analy c Vocabulary is needed to defi ne the concept- Develop overall site idea; dont focus on one edge- Clarify program square footages- Iden fy programma c precedents

P N

For the next review, I wanted to focus on be er defi ning the site and its constraints. I also wanted to have be er diagramma c explora ons of site access and circula on. Ideally, I also intended to have a completed site program with accurate square footages.

38PR E L I M I N A R Y RE V I E W

The goal of this review is to present the full scope of the thesis inves ga on to the commi ee, solicit feedback on work to date, and to seek direc on for further explora on.

Work presented should focus on synthesizing the di erent areas of inves ga on into strategies for design. The review must include three schemes that represent formally and conceptually dis nct approaches to the project. Emphasis should be on exploring diverse ways to address se ng, program, and thesis concept rather than problem solving.

39 PR E L I M I N A R Y RE V I E W

This review addressed the concerns about clarifying the concept, program, and site analysis. The review also called for three dis nct site organiza on schemes to be presented to the panel for cri que. Of these three schemes, one would be chosen to pursue for the remainder of the thesis.

The three conceptual schemes I chose to pursue were: building above the ground, on the ground, and below the ground.

T C

- What are the major site-issues to be addressed?- What are the design opportuni es?- How do the proposed designs address the issues and take advantage of opportuni es?


S C D


What are the major site-issues to be addressed?What are the design opportuni es?

The site is unusual in that it sits above a highway and South Sta on. This o ered a unique opportunity to connect to one or both of these hidden passages. On the fl ipside, the site is also surrounded by soaring towers - these o ered an opportunity for the design to go above ground and make a place for itself between these giants. However, height may be limited due to the structures beneath the ground.

In terms of program, the site is unusual because thus far, there is not one permanent user group on the site. This o ered an opportunity, but also a challenge. Since the site is a passageway for myriad users, the program could be made very diverse. However, this also meant that a program that would encourage people to stop would be di cult because the site is such a major thoroughfare between exis ng des na ons.

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How do the proposed designs address the issues and take advantage of opportuni es?

I presented three ways of addressing the site: - Designing above the site- Designing at ground level- Designing below ground

Each op on had advantages and disadvantages that had to do with access, circula on, and environment.

C E O

Above Ground On Ground Below GroundAccess above Retaining views Access belowBlocking sunlight Loss of green space Light below groundHeight restric ons Noise mi ga on Ven la on

O E O

Above Ground On Ground Below GroundNew views Easy access New connec onsCreate shadows Typical structure Sunken views Controlled paths New landscaping Unexpected encounters

44PR E L I M I N A R Y RE V I E WPR E L I M I N A R Y RE V I E W

B G O M O G O M

A G O M


A A V

The analy c vocabulary was a graphically concise way of organizing the themes I wanted to explore with my thesis. It was something I could constantly go back to in order to ensure that my design was following the original idea - a way to keep myself on track.

Since my idea was about speed and movement, I created a series of diagrams that explained what types of situa ons I defi ned as fast and what I defi ned as slow. Singular paths, dis nct des na ons, unobstructed views, and defi ned entrances implied speed. There was no need to slow down and ponder ones next move. However, the contras ng situa ons of mul ple paths, various des na ons, obstruc ons, and many entrances caused the user to pause and poten ally see the project from a di erent perspec ve every me it is encountered.


M G - A A V

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D E V

Because the site is located in the middle of the city and surrounded by tall buildings, the views are limited. However, this also created one atypical edge: the roof. The design would possibly be most visible from above, so what happened on top became highly important.

On ground level, the views should be directed towards landmark buildings such as the Federal Reserve, Bank of America, and South Sta on. These buildings may act as anchors, helping visitors orient themselves within the building - regardless of what scheme is chosen.


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R P C

- Need sun/shadow studies. Whats the environment?- May want to combine all three schemes, they all have benefi ts- How do people actually move through the site?- Dont be afraid of going taller- Need programma c precedents

P N

I defi nitely needed to explore the environmental constraints of the site. I also needed to focus on circula on and begin to block out the program.

52

G - SLOW

T C - FAST

D S - G M O

This review requires a single scheme for the project that addresses the thesis concept and resolves basic site and program rela onships. The review should emphasize concept development from the previous review and demonstrate how the concept will be realized architecturally.

Categories to be addressed include: Concept Development, Site Plan, Site Model, Illustra ve Site Informa on, and Site Diagrams.

54SC H E M AT I C RE V I E W

55 SC H E M AT I C RE V I E W

For this review, one scheme should have been chosen (or a new scheme should have emerged from a combina on of those presented). Form this scheme, an architectural design would begin to emerge.

I chose to combine my schemes into a design that would feature all three levels: above, below, and on the ground. This enabled me to connect to the South Sta on lobby, retain the green space, and have ample room for program.

T C

- What are the environmental condi ons of the site?- How does the design address a variety of walking speeds?- Where does the program, as designed, accommodate various speeds?


P O D

57 SCHEMATIC REVIEW

What are the environmental condi ons of the site?

The site is mostly South-facing and receives a large amount of sunlight throughout the year. I was surprised to fi nd that the Federal Reserve Building didsnt do much to stop the light from reaching Dewey Square. The site is especially exposed in the Summer, meaning that I would probably need to address excessive heat gain within the design.

Winds are predominantly from the West. September and May are the windiest months, but the major concern for the site would be during the winter months. Since I intended to leave much of the site exposed to con nue the Greenway, the high winds needed to be addressed.


P W

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S S

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

h p://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/

W S

How does the design address a variety of walking speeds?Where does the program, as designed, accommodate various speeds?

A study of the exis ng walking pa erns on the site revealed what I had originally no ced: most people walked along an implied path from the Financial District to South Sta on. This path is located along the South-Western edge of the site, most exposed to wind and tra c. Most pedestrians did not walk into the heart of the site on a regular basis. Other paths, at the periphery of the site, were li le used. There was only one true des na on: the South Sta on entry pavilion.

I proposed a design that encouraged people to walk into the site. By providing many des na ons, and mul ple paths that link them, the site came alive. Mul ple paths also o ered the opportunity to create di erent types of speeds: from straight, ght spaces that encouraged a speedy commute to wide open paths full of greenery and sea ng that allowed for a leisurely pace and areas of pause.

59 SCHEMATIC REVIEW

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61 SCHEMATIC REVIEW

C S: T D C

The combina on of my three conceptual schemes - above, below, and on the ground - yielded a variety of sec onal op ons. I decided to focus on a double courtyard scheme because I felt it would best serve to organize the program I had envisioned, going from faster to slower spaces.

The other benefi ts of this organiza onal scheme were as follows:- Created two dis nct spaces on the lower level- Acknowledged the existence of the delivery ramp and used it as a bridge- Allowed for program to connect along an axis

T D C: O

The organiza onal scheme generated three op ons for the architectural character of the design. The three op ons for development were The Fortress, The Swoop, and The Tent.

V C P D

low, and on the ocus on a double ze the program I

ows:

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INFO

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MARKETSTORAGE

CAFE

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H C P D

62

63 SCHEMATIC REVIEW

S S D

The schema c design featured an exci ng new development: a grand stair at the South-Western edge of the site that would en ce passerby to travel to the roo op, create sea ng for pedestrians, and enclose a plaza at ground level. Also, by opening the site below the sidewalk level, I created reason for pedestrians to stop and look below their feet.

At the Northern side of the site, I gave Dewey Square a green lawn that could be used year round: for picnics and relaxa on in the summer, and sledding in the winter. The green space served as a way to connect the site the rest of the Greenway while ensuring usage throughout the year.

F S S M

G S

G L

64

65 SCHEMATIC REVIEW

O - T F

The idea of a fortress came from my recent visit to Puerto Rico. There, the shad-ows of massive walls were dis nct and depicted the passage of the day. I also thought it would be interes ng to start carving out passages within the walls to provide an unusual architectural environment for the typical Bostonian. By the addi on of a pergola, I created a connec on to Columbus Park further North on the Greenway and allowed for easy coverage in the winter.

B T F:

- Directed views via wall openings- Created mul ple new paths- Canopy created shadows and could be covered in the winter

T F S

T F G S

T F M

66

67 SCHEMATIC REVIEW

O - T S

The swoop was a ver cal transla on of the curving shapes I made in plan. It also addressed the no on of contrasts: everything around the site is rigid and angular, an organic, curving shape would create a dis nct character. Lastly, the act of walking through the swoop would generate unexpected experiences for the user.

B T S:

- Created mul ple paths- Canopy generated unusual shadows- Variety of experiences by going over or under the swoop- Connected roof to sidewalk and covered the courtyard

T S S

T S G S

T S M

68

69 SCHEMATIC REVIEW

O - T T

The tent was a nod to the Occupy Boston movement that made Dewey Square its locus operandi. The tent provided shelter, a dis nct look, and an opportunity to di use sunlight. Also, by the inser on of an oculus in its roof, the tent-like shape allowed for the tracking of sunlight as it traveled across the sky.

B T T:

- Reminiscent of history- Canopy provided shade and cover- Sunlight could be tracked through the oculus- Connected to sidewalk

T T S

T T G S

T T M

70

BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN VISITOR CENTERO ce: Weiss/ManfrediLoca on: NYC, New YorkProgram: Visitor Center - rain garden, gallery, shopping, cafe, garden

The project is a revitalized gateway to the Brooklyn Botanic garden. It has a 10,000sf green roof and a variety of paths that connect a diverse program. The project o ered a great look at how a green roof can be used to connect several di erent types of spaces while giving way to ample circula on.

71 SCHEMATIC REVIEW

G R P

VAN DUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN VISITOR CENTERO ce: Perkins+WillLoca on: Vancouver, Bri sh ColumbiaProgram: Visitor Center - gallery, cafe, library, o ces, classrooms

The botanical visitor center has a large variety of sustainable systems that allows it to meet the Living Building Challenge. I hoped to use similar systems for my thesis: rain catchment, graywater recycling, rammed earth walls, green roof, and natural ven la on.


S S P

73 SCHEMATIC REVIEW

R P C

- Need sun/shadow studies. Whats the environment?- May want to combine all three schemes, they all have benefi ts- How do people actually move through the site?- Dont be afraid of going taller- Must resolve delivery systems

P N

I defi nitely needed to explore the environmental constraints of the site. I also needed to focus on circula on and begin to block out the program. The most important aspect of the cri cism turned out to be the delivery systems: the site had signifi cant constraints for vehicular access, and these had to be resolved.

G S PR P

G S PR P

G S PR P

T F

T S

T T

74

76TH E S I S I I

Design Development I Review 78

Design Development II Review 102

Final Review 122

D

78DD1 RE V I E W

This review focuses on a holis c architectural response, all conceptual ideas are beginning to be expressed architecturally. To showcase this architectural development, site plan, models, plans, sec ons, eleva ons, sketches, structure, environmental systems, and materials have been developed.

At this point, we are beginning the second segment of thesis in a new semester and have had the break to refl ect on previous work.

79 DD1 REVIEW

Over the course of the break, I spent some me be er understanding my site in model form. I created miniature models that focused on the delivery access since that had become a major concern during the Schema c Review.

I found that I could organize my program along the Western edge of the site, as previously planned, and allow a curving ramp to defi ne the front of the complex. The ramp had to allow pedestrian access as well and be designed in such a way as to not become an eyesore.

T C

- How has the design changed to provide delivery access?- How does the design address pedestrian use?- Are the chosen materials appropriate to the site, program, and concept?- What are the sustainable strategies of the design?

80DD1 RE V I E W

C M - P A W E F M - P D C

How has the design changed to provide delivery access?How does the design address pedestrian use?

By having the ramp to curve through the design, the remaining program began to take its defi ni on from other circular boundaries. The curving ramp had several benefi ts: it created an easy way for trucks to access the storage space, it allowed for the program to be organized along its curve, it created a new path through the en re site, and it allowed for covered spaces to exist at the courtyard level, 16 below the ground.

The diagram at right explained how I was beginning to organize the overall plan of the design. The new connec on points also defi ned the loca on of major site entry points. This design encouraged pedestrians to come into the heart of the site by placing the program along a currently underu lized edge. The ramp gave pedestrians reason to travel into the interior of the site and connect to other paths through the program.

81 DD1 REVIEW

82DD1 RE V I E W

BANK AMERICACONNECTION

SOUTH STATIONCONNECTION

FEDERAL RESERVE PLAZACONNECTION

GREENWAYCONNECTION

S C D

Are the chosen materials appropriate to the site, program, and concept?What are the sustainable strategies of the design?

The proposed building was to be in contrast with the unvarying concrete that surrounds the plaza. It would play up the natural aspect of the design by incorpora ng wood and vegeta on. Frosted glass would help mi gate sunlight and create a somewhat mysterious atmosphere to draw people inside. Concrete would have added texture to encourage people to touch the surface.Colorful brushed steel would create various canopies to act as way-fi nding objects, icons, and enclosures from weather.

S

In keeping with principles of sustainability, the following systems would be incorporated into the design: rainwater catchment/graywater recycling, a green roof for thermal mass, and passive solar to u lize the abundant Southern sun and lower energy costs. To keep the spaces cool/hot, I would be using an air ven lated chiller with a boiler. The exhaust air would be used to heat the courtyard during the winter.

83 DD1 REVIEW

84

P M PP S S

C

R C

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85 DD1 REVIEW

F P: C L, -

The lowest level of the complex was strategically located at 16 below the ground in order to create a connec on to the South Sta on Lobby. This level contained the lower levels of the Public Market, Storage, and Cafe, allowing all three to be easily accessed by those who enter the site from South Sta on.

The Storage area ran along the rear of the site, like a spine, allowing for easy delivery of goods to their respec ve areas. The Informa on Center was located in such a way as to be easily seen by pedestrians exi ng the South Sta on tunnel. In mes of bad weather, the Market could be entered through the tunnel, without the need to go outside. The Soup Kitchen was located behind the Storage area, underneath the hill, in order to create a sense of individuality and a separate place for gatherings. Realis cally, due to cultural s gma, the inclusion of an area for the homeless and socially disparaged required special treatment.

86DD1 RE V I E W

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87 DD1 REVIEW

F P: G L, +/-

The ground level needed to address the various access points I had iden fi ed during Thesis I. I developed my program in such a way as to locate entrances to all major areas of the site directly from the access points, and allowed these paths to split and meander through the site once the pedestrian was drawn in.

The main por on of the program, the Public Market, was located along the busiest end of the site. This was done to encourage commuters to stop and get groceries on their way home. The grand stair that defi nes a sidewalk plaza acted as a sea ng area for the lunch me crowd. By opening to the South, the steps would bask in the sunlight. This loca on also allowed for easy viewing of the major thoroughfare, encouraging those pausing to consider the speed of those moving by.

The restaurant was placed at the heart of the site, giving reason for people to travel further in during the day and night. The cafe was placed at the other end of the site, near Congress Street, in order to mark another entry point to the site and encourage passerby to pause and grab a bite to eat. As on the lower level, the Storage area ran along the Western edge of the site connec ng all spaces. The delivery access ramp created a new pedestrian walkway.

88DD1 RE V I E W

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89 DD1 REVIEW

F P: R L, +

The roof level was a cap for the en re project. Though the program below was disparate, the roof was a con nuous walkable strip. In order to en ce people to go to the roof, I added a second level of the restaurant at the center of the project. This created a des na on point easily accessible from all points of the site.

By allowing the ver cal circula on at the Southern corner to connect all three levels, from South Sta on to the Roof, I had created a way for everyone to easily get to the top fl oor. The area of the roof closest to the vent structure remained a large lawn - reminiscent of the Greenway - while the rest of the roof had become more like a garden with sca ered sea ng and defi ned paths.

90DD1 RE V I E W

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RESTAURANT 1,500 SFVESTIBULE 800 SFTOTAL 2,300 SF

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91 DD1 REVIEW

S P

The fi nal aspect of the design was the addi on of tall, lily-pad like iconic structures. These were inspired by the diagram of Site Connec ons I had made earlier in the semester.

These structures became the crowning jewels of the design. They acted as rain covers, they could collect rain water, they generated interes ng shadows, they were colorful, and they marked the myriad entry points of the site. Each color was chosen to represent a city-wide connec on: green for the Greenway, blue for the Ft. Point Channel, red for the Chinatown Gate, orange and yellow for the Southern sun, and grey for South Sta on.

92DD1 RE V I E W

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93 DD1 REVIEW

A D

The access and circula on diagrams helped establish how pedestrians could move through the site and at what speed. The thicker the line, the faster and more frequently used the path. Choke points existed along every path that force the pedestrians to slow down. The diagrams also showed the loca on of ver cal circula on via elevator, stair, or hill. Access to the site is shown via blue lines and explains how the building can be entered on every level.

e l

d

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94DD1 RE V I E W

95 DD1 REVIEW

B S

I began to draw preliminary sec ons of the building to see how the spaces were organized ver cally and to explore solar access into the courtyards. Since the market was such a large space, I decided to create an addi onal opening in the roof to allow more sunlight in. I placed the opening above the stairwell to allow some of the light to penetrate even further, into the lower level.

The sec ons begin to show how the iconic lily-pads defi ne the entry points. By allowing the structures to vary in height, a hierarchy was created for the overall design.

96DD1 RE V I E W

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98DD1 RE V I E W

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The perspec ves start to explain how the design will be experienced by those who enter it. The iconic structures tower above the en re complex, giving it a unique status within the city. Material colors begin to show the look of the space within the larger context.

99 DD1 REVIEW

R P C

- Sec ons need to be made clearer- Move cafe to loca on of Informa on Center; put Info Center where Cafe is- Iconic structures should not be fl at - curve like plans- Furnish the market to give idea of scale in plan- Design the umbrella detail - how does it work?- Design the ver cal circula on, ie. Grand Stair

P N

The review made me realize that the umbrellas had become the defi ning aspect of the design. They now needed to fi nd a func on beyond interes ng to look at. The ver cal circula on was the next thing that I needed to focus on and defi ne. Exchanging the Cafe with the Informa on Center was a spectacular sugges on that I would apply to the revised plans.

F DD

100

102DD2 RE V I E W

This review is an extension of DD1 and focuses on a holis c architectural response, all conceptual ideas are expressed architecturally. To showcase this architectural development, site plan, models, plans, sec ons, eleva ons, sketches, structure, environmental systems, and materials have been further developed.

Consider the products of this review a dra version of the fi nal review.

103 DD2 REVIEW

For this review, I decided to focus on furthering the design of the iconic structures that do ed the site. Since these monsters were now the defi ning characteris c of the project, they needed to be resolved structurally. I also came up with a design for the Grand Stair at the center of the site, connec ng the Courtyard to the First Level.

T C

- How do the monsters serve the design?- What are the iconic structures made of?- How do the Grand Stairs serve as a design element, furthering the concept?

R V P V G V O V B V

SOUTH STATIONCONNECTION

GREENWAYCONNECTION

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HASE

STREET

ATLAN

TIC AV

E.

SUMMER STREET

CONGRESS STREETHIG

H STRE

ET

FEDERAL STREET

BANK AMERICACONNECTION

FEDERAL RESERVE PLAZACONNECTION

S C V D

104

105 DD2 REVIEW

How do the monsters serve the design?

As I thought about the large umbrella-like structures that would cover the site,I was inspired by the idea of a leaf, or a lily pad. The curved stem led me to consider non-linear columns that would support the extended top. The monsters served to help iden fy not just the site access points, but to locate the design within the city.

The structures serve to help pedestrians orient themselves throughout the build-ing. Also, due to their predominance, the structures act as markers for mee ng places. Finally, the structures are designed as water catchment devices, collec ng water in the leaf and transferring it to the ground via the steel stems.

I S D M

F I S M

106DD2 RE V I E W

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C Q, SL P P

107 DD2 REVIEW

What are the iconic structures made of?

The iconic structures were composed of 1 diameter steel pipes. The pipes had a C channel along their top spine to which the ETFE was a ached via clips. These channels eventually joined to rectangular tubes that guided the water to the ground. From there, the water was directed to a reservoir beneath the courtyard grand stair from where it could be pumped throughout the complex.

The mul ple steel stems that eventually extended to form the umbrella supported themselves since the top itself was made of lightweight ETFE. ETFE (ethylene tetra fl uoro ethylene) is a plas c-like sheet that is fully recyclable, self-cleaning, and easily mended. It has been used widely in Europe and Asia for spanning large structures that require translucence. As at Clarke Quay in Singapore, I also planned to incorporate LEDs into the structures so the complex stayed alive at night.

108DD2 RE V I E W

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ETFE/T C

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109 DD2 REVIEW

How do the Grand Stairs serve as a design element, furthering the concept?

The Keller Fountain in Portland was a great inspira on for the grand stair in the courtyard. However, the stair would not be completely covered in water. I intended to have water make its way from beneath the umbrellas and down the stair on its way to the collec on tank below the site.

The addi on of water as a design feature added to the no on of movement and connected the design to the Chinatown fountain further down the Greenway. As the water passed beneath pedestrians feet, it served as a reminder of their daily fl ow. The water cascading down the Grand Stair into the courtyard also added a playful element to the design, encouraging people to stop and interact with the architecture.

I K F - P, OR C G F - B, MA

110DD2 RE V I E W

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111 DD2 REVIEW

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The changes on the lowest level were not signifi cant: I exchanged the loca on of the Cafe with the Informa on Center. This way, all food-related areas remained together. The last major change was the addi on of the Grand Stair connec ng the Courtyard to the First Level at the heart of the complex.

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112DD2 RE V I E W

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The main changes on the ground level were the new Informa on Center in place of the Cafe at the Congress St. side of the project, and the addi on of the tall iconic structures at several loca ons throughout the site.

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113 DD2 REVIEW

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There were no major changes on the roof level. The Restaurant and Ves bule took on slightly altered shapes, but the program and layout remained the same.

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114DD2 RE V I E W

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The monsters took on a defi nite shape for this review. They became the iconic entrance points that had been introduced in DD1. Their loca on shi ed slightly to be er accomodate the circula on through the site.

G

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115 DD2 REVIEW

E S

The Eleva on and Sec ons truly showed how the iconic structures a ected the overall design. The design fi nally began to take on a more organic shape in eleva on.

The mechanical diagram began to explain how the chiller would intake fresh air from the outside via a massive wall at the roof level, and exhaust hot air into the courtyard in order to melt snow in the winter.

B E

116DD2 RE V I E W

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117 DD2 REVIEW

P

I relied on the perspec ves to explain the scale of the iconic structures. They tower over people and the site and defi nitely create a reason to pause. I envisioned these monsters becoming a new icon for Boston, especially since they were to be located near South Sta on - the major access center for the city.

The perspec ves displayed how the legs of the structures created unusual places in their own right. Though separate from the program, they completed the complex. By their very nature, they e ec vely created a reason for people to slow down and pause. The colorful ETFE would cast exci ng shadows throughout the day, varying by season and light quality. I could see these structures becoming landmarks for the area.

B A E

118DD2 RE V I E W

S S E D C G E

119 DD2 REVIEW

R P C

- Create a structural diagram- How will ETFE deal with wind loads?- Develop the roo op - right now, its just empty space- Develop the spaces beneath the structures. These are now places- Courtyard monster looks odd from below. Consider reloca ng- Defi nitely change the color of the legs. Black will not work in reality- Clarify how the water catchment system actually func ons

P N

The review went extremely well. The panel was happy with my design choices, especially in regards to the iconic structures. For the fi nal, I needed to relocate some of the structures to be er accommodate the circula on through the site. I also needed to complete the design of the green roof.

F DD

120

The fi nal review is a demonstra on of the en re project. The presenta on stands on its own, fully ar cula ng the concept, thesis, and architecture. Clarity is of the utmost importance at this point.

The presenta on demonstrates a fi nal resolu on between the thesis and archi-tecture at fi nished quality.

122F I N A L RE V I E W

123 FINAL REVIEW

I did not need to signifi cantly alter the design for the fi nal review. The largest changes were a slightly altered plan of the Public Market, a resolu on of the water collec on and materiality of the iconic structures, and the addi on of place-making elements beneath the monsters.

T C

- Do the spaces beneath the monsters func on as places?- Have the structural and mechanical systems been resolved?- Does the roof design encourage a variety of paces?


F I S S

125 FINAL REVIEW

Do the spaces beneath the monsters func on as places?

In order to make the spaces beneath the monster into actual places, I fi rst designated the sort of ac vity that would take place beneath each one. Since most of the food trucks that gathered on the site did so at the North-Western and South-Eastern corners, these structures were to harbor places for si ng. Large pieces of granite, reminiscent of the seaport and quarried from Quincy, would serve as tables and chairs.

The structure above the South Sta on entry was to be the largest and most iconic - this was a place where people would stop to meet or take in their surroundings. Therefore, the granite here formed a tumbling fountain-like structure. The idea was that when it rained, the water would fall onto the tallest stone and splash its way down to the ground. When dry, the stones could be climbed or sat upon.

The structure located at the courtyard Grand Stair was about movement. This monster appeared to be walking up the steps, making its way to the top. The legs provided a place to lean against and to hold onto as people made their way up or down the granite steps.

The fi nal structure, located on the roof above the market, and by far the smallest of the fi ve, marked the visual connec on to all levels of the market. By being smaller than the others, it also encouraged people to touch and interact with the net. This structure was most about pausing to touch, experience, observe.

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D A P S

127 FINAL REVIEW

Have the structural and mechanical systems been resolved?

The structural system was composed of a series of concrete columns on three separate grids. One grid for the Market, one for the remaining built spaces, and one for the curving service road.

The mechanical system was based on a chiller system that then sent warm and cool air to all the spaces via ducts in the storage hallway. All other systems would follow a similar pa ern.

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129 FINAL REVIEW

Does the roof design encourage a variety of paces?

The roof had up to this point been mostly a vast expanse of green with some skylights. The fi nal design designated three zones for the roof based on the quan ty and quality of paths.

The slowest zone was at the great lawn next to the vent structure; there were no specifi c paths crea ng a place with unlimited ways to move around. Des na ons and obstruc ons were created by each user, and were therefore also limitless.

A fast pace was ins gated by a long gravel path leading from the Congress Ave. entry, along the Southern roof edge, all the way to the Summer St. grand stair. This path had one des na on, no obstruc ons, and therefore followed the terms of my design vocabulary for crea ng a speedy commute.

The last zone was for a meandering movement. There were a variety of paths, but no real obstruc ons to view. Des na ons could be easily seen, but there were several ways to go. This space also encouraged pause by providing many sea ng elements. During the spring and summer, this area would become colorful with a variety of fl owers, further encouraging people to come up from the ground level.


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131 FINAL REVIEW

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For the fi nal review, I added landscape elements to the Courtyard level. These would create reasons to pause and serve as the cover for the exhaust vents. I also color coded the fl oor plans in order to allow for an easier reading of the included spaces.


I C - G L

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The ground level changed very li le: the most signifi cant altera on was the curving of the Public Market at its North-Western corner. This be er expressed the funnel to the side entry. The places beneath the monsters were shown with their various arrangements of granite blocks.

133 FINAL REVIEW

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The fi nal Roof Plan was fully developed to express the three zones of movement. The green lawn had no obstruc ons, the meandering paths contained a variety of greenery, and a con nuous fast path ran along the edge of the en re roof.

S

The fi nal design of the iconic structures had been established. From above, the colorful nets waved in the wind drawing the eye and crea ng another way for the no on of movement to come across - even to those not actually walking through the site.


B A E

S S E

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The fi nal eleva on showed the resolved loca on of each iconic structure. All three levels of the building were displayed to show the Grand Stair connec ng the Courtyard to the Ground Level, and the spiral stair that connected the ground level to the roof. These stairs formed the central ver cal spine of the project. The two large openings in the ground level allowed plenty of light to fl ood the Courtyard.

135

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BLUE SECTION1/4 = 1-0

NET CONNECTION

WATER RING CONNECTION

STEEL RING CONNECTION

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RED SECTION1/16 = 1-0

GREEN SECTION1/16 = 1-0

ORANGE SECTION1/16 = 1-0

F S

The fi nal sec ons resolved the interior spaces of the building - especially the areas with a sloping roof. The space with the great lawn required a more robust structure beneath, a ec ng the ceiling above the Mechanical Room and Soup Kitchen. Meanwhile, the secondary slope near the Great Lawn allowed for a storage/mechanical space for the top fl oor of the Restaurant as it turned into a roof.

In the Red Sec on, it became apparent how the Orange structures legs surrounded the skylight and made their way down to the lowest level, physically and visually connec ng the three levels. The Green Sec on showed the Green structure standing over the entrance into the Informa on Center, connec ng the Ground Level to the Courtyard and the South Sta on entry. The Yellow Sec on showed how the Yellow structure stood guard over the Delivery Road and climbed the steps to the Ground Level.

The large detail sec on resolved the design of the iconic structures. I had been inspired by an ar st named Janet Echelman who makes large-scale sculptures out of fi shing nets. Seeing her work convinced me that they would be the ideal element to complete the structures. The nets would be able to move with the wind, further emphasizing the concept of the thesis. Also, since they were colorful and playful, they would stand out from the surrounding city and make Dewey Square the iconic spot I wanted.

Finally, the large sec on also shows how the water would be collected beneath the structure, eventually making its way to a reservoir below the Grand Stair in the Courtyard.

V Y S(C L)

The Yellow Structure walks up the granite steps that connect the Courtyard to the Ground Level. Seen from below, the structure towers over the pedestrian and provides visual cues about the wind above.

139 FINAL REVIEW

V G S(G )

The Green Structure es together the Northern part of the Greenway with the renovated Dewey Square. It acts as an icon for the Informa on Center and entry onto the site at all three levels.

140

V O S(R L)

The Orange Structure is more approachable since it is human scaled, unlike the other four. The structure marks a ver cal visual connec on between all three levels; its legs penetrate through the building below.

141

V Y S(G L)

At ground level, the Yellow Structure marks the loca on of the Granite Steps leading to the Courtyard. It also marks a nexus point where several major paths cross: pedestrian ver cal circula on between all levels, vehicular transit, and the main pedestrian walkway connec ng the en re site.


143 FINAL REVIEW

R P C

- Rethink the water collec on. How much water will the structures actually gather?- Explain structure of the nets - how are they a ached to the legs?- How do the nets retain their shape?

P N

The Final Review was not the best review Ive ever had. Though the overall project was highly successful, the iconic structures lacked su cient explana on in terms of structure. Therefore, post-fi nal, I needed to add an idea of the net design.

144

F

145 POST-FINAL

P-F D

I decided that I wanted to retain the water collec on on one of the structures and make it more localized. Instead of the water traveling through a connected series of tubes to a central reservoir, the structure at South Sta on would collect the water right beneath itself. This water will then be used on hot, dry days to enliven the granite fountain at its center. The remaining structures will not collect water.

As for the fi shing nets, I spent some more me looking at Ms. Echelmans sculptures and realized that she uses a lightweight system of tubes to shape her nets. I decided to use this idea to my advantage, crea ng o set rings that are a ached to the main structure via steel cables and welds. The top ring is wholly welded to the structure and is the main connec on point for the net, ensuring that it doesnt lose its shape over me. The bo om-most ring is also a ached to the structure so that the en re structure is solidly tethered and doesnt hit the legs. I added looping rings between the extended arms in order to help the net keep its shape during especially windy mes.

146PO S T-F I N A L

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148CO N C L U S I O N S

This thesis was a wild ride. I began with a theory, an idea about a subject that I was passionate about, and took it on a year -long adventure that culminated with a building that expresses my concept in physical form.

I believe that the design does succeed in crea ng spaces that encourage the pedestrian to move at a variety of speeds, and will therefore cause people to consider their movements. Maybe for a few, it will inspire the same though I had at the beginning: how do I live in me?

150AP P E N D I X

The following is the complete Thesis Proposal outlining the original concept of the Thesis. The Proposal provides a thorough site analysis, Zoning and Codes relevant for the site and project, precedent studies, as well as concept explora on from Thesis Seminar and Studio.

The Pace of SPace how SPeed ShaPeS Urban archiTecTUre

N a t a l i a W i e c z o r e k B . a . c . | M . a r c h 2 0 1 4

The Pace of SPace how SPeed ShaPeS Urban archiTecTUre

ProPosal Date | SPring 2013

thesis seMiNar | SPring 2013

thesis 1 | fall 2013

exPecteD GraDuatioN | SPring 2014

thesis stuDeNt : naTalia wieczorek

thesis Director : ian f. Taberner, aia

seMiNar aDvisor : STePhen Moore

stuDio aDvisor : adi Toledano

book one | Thesis ProPosal 1 TheSiS SUMMary 1 inTrodUcTion 2 TheSiS STaTeMenT 4

MeThodS of inqUiry 6 TerMS of criTiciSM 7 concePT develoPMenT 8

SiTe STaTeMenT 10 PrograM STaTeMenT 12 bUilding SySTeMS 14 SkeTch ProbleM 15 caSe STUdy coMPariSon 16 caSe STUdieS 18

reviewS|Moving forward 22 ProPoSed SchedUle 23 reSUMe 24 annoTaTed bibliograPhy 25

book Two| Program 27

aPPendix 49

Table of conTenTSbook 1 | ProPoSal

For the machine meant the conquest oF horizontal space.

it also meant a sense of that space which few people had experienced before the succession and superimposition of views, the unfolding of landscape in flickering surfaces as one was carried swiftly past it, and an exaggerated feeling of relative motion due to parallax. the view from the train was not the view from the horse.

it compressed more motiFs into the same time. conversely, it leFt less time in which to dwell on any one thing.

roberT hUgheSThe Shock of The new

america is all about speed. hot, nasty, badass speed.

will ferrell

book one | TheSiS ProPoSal

1

Thesis summary natalia [email protected]

The Pace of SPace: how SPeed ShaPeS Urban archiTecTUre

through use of geometry, scale, and program, architecture should generate spaces that slow pedestrian walking speed in order to foster an awareness of ones surroundings, create connections, and reduce stress.

this thesis focuses on walking pace of pedestrians as a means of addressing the speed typically experienced in urban centers. the exploration will be done via a permanent public market and transit access at dewey square in downtown boston.

the following questions will be answered:- what architectural qualities do the created spaces exhibit that imply a particular pace?- how is the temporal experience differentiated? - are the temporal distinctions appropriate? necessary?- what makes the building type appropriate to the investigation at hand?- what is gained by the addition of a temporal dimension?- how does the consideration of tempo or pace drive the design?

the methods of inquiry shall be research about the connection between speed and health, case studies of spaces that affect move-ment, interviews with members of the bra, the greenway conservancy, bpma, and users of the space at south station, dewey square, and the Financial district.

inTrodUcTion

i have a fascination with time what it is, how we experience it, how we move through it (or how it moves through us). when i began thinking about my thesis, i knew that time would be a consideration. through my research and reading, i came across a book called einsteins dreams its made up of short stories about alternate ways of considering time; perhaps einstein had similar notions while daydreaming in the patent office.

what really caught my attention was the insinuation that the experience of time can influence architecture. For instance, if time runs at a different speed according to elevation lets say slower high up people may wish to build taller buildings in order to extend their lifespan. therefore, the architecture of the cities, and thus the social order, is directly related to the flow of time. this made me think - how is our perception of the speed of time expressed through our architecture? what is our perception of time? what affects it? does time seem to flow differently based on location? climate? experience? can the perceived speed of time be altered? and if yes, then how?

through the course of my thesis, i hope to explore the last question on this list. i realized early on that my concept is rather theoretical, so for the purposes of my thesis project, i decided to focus on an aspect of it that could actually be built rather than discussed.

humans experience time through change through movement. architecture has the ability to modify movement, and therefore that is what my thesis will focus on. in my reading, i learned that boston is the fastest moving city in the usa in terms of walking speed. i wish to modify the speed of movement in boston and therefore affect the perceived flow of time by those occupying the building.

2

3sPeed of Time relaTed To environmenT

TheSiS STaTeMenT

all cultures, however varied, view time in relation to their environment: agrarian societies judge it by the passage of seasons, ancient cultures such as the mayans or egyptians focused on the changes in celestial objects, we [north americans, 21st c.] see it as the pace created by a ticking clock. as the worlds population has moved from the country to the city, and economic growth has become our main concern, so has the clock - an artificial edifice representative of the passage of time - taken over our daily lives.

because cities are economic centers of the urbanized world, they function according to the demands of business. as we attempt to keep pace with the clok-driven world, we mechanize the way we move. we are now obliged to rush to meet a deadline rather than take as much time as necessary to get somewhere. our technology - email, cell phone, etc. - is there to ensure that we are running around the clock.

in order to make it on time, we have sacrificed an architecture that distracts from the most efficient path. however, by moving at breakneck pace - whether by foot, car, bike, or train - we lose connection to the places in which we live. we no longer notice our surroundings nor the people who travel beside us. not only are we disconnected, we also harm our health by moving at a pace that induces stress due to constant time anxiety.

are you in a rush?

are you skimming the words?

too many things to do and not enough time?

is speed a necessary component of your lifestyle?

in the last two or three decades we have seen a boom in technology that has enabled a simple click to finish tasks that once took hours or days, but as with all innovation, speed comes at a price: we now stress about not getting enough done in all the time that we have, we ignore our surroundings as we focus on the running checklist in our minds, we dont say hello to our neighbors or passerby on the street.

instead of relaxing, we attempt to move faster to stay in tandem with the machines we have created. but people are not machines and we should celebrate our humanity rather than attempt to ignore it by moving ever faster.

through use of geometry, scale, and program, architecture should generate spaces that slow pedestrian walking speed in order to foster an awareness of ones surroundings, create connections, and reduce stress.

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instead of texture, scale, and reasons to pause, urban centers cater to speed by creating flat, plain walls, tall skyscrapers completely out of scale with the pedestrian, and paths of least resistance through indifferent corridors.

this project intends to explore ways in which architecture may be utilized to slow the walking pace of the people who pass through and around it. the thesis will focus on physical movement rather than internal feeling of time because peoples internal experience of the passage of time is not always related to the exterior environment.

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cUrrenTSPeed

ProPoSedSPeed

STreSSed

MiSSedconnecTionS

lack of awareneSS

relaxed

newconnecTionS

enhanced awareneSS

Thesis ProPosal diagram

MeThodS of inqUiry

invesTigaTe The following quesTions: + how does the speed at which we move affect our health? our interpersonal connections? our awareness of place? + how does urban architecture encourage life at an unhealthy speed? + what are the effects of the speed at which we live? + what is a healthy pace?

+ what kind of effect on pace does technology have? which technology? + how is technologys influence apparent in architecture, in terms of speed? + how is architecture expressive of pace? + what affects how people move through or around a building? + how is the speed of living reflected in our buildings?

find answers Through The following means:+ research - studies and articles about the relationship between pace and health. + research - studies and articles about speeds effect on our contempory attention span/ interpersonal interactions. + interviews - talk to people passing through the site and surroundings to see how they feel about the pace at which they move. + interviews - talk to members of the rose F. Kennedy greenway conservancy to get their input about the project.

+ interviews - talk to members of the boston public market association as a means for detailed answers about proposed program.

+ interviews - speak to a bra representatiove knoweldgeable of the site to gain further insight into its opportunities.

+ interviews - meet with a structural/transit engineer, preferable one familiar with bostons underground transit system, to discuss probable structural solutions.

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TerMS of criTiciSM

The building should address The following quesTions:- do the spaces created exhibit architectural qualities that imply a particular pace? what are they?

- how is the temporal experience differentiated?

- are the temporal distinctions appropriate? necessary?

- is the building type appropriate to the investigation at hand?

- what is gained by the addition of a temporal dimension?

- how does the consideration of tempo or pace drive the design?

the goal of this thesis is to discover viable means of slowing the pedestrian in an urban setting. ultimately, the building should enable the occupants to move at a reduced speed without causing them to feel opressed or deterred - the idea is to reduce stress, not increase it.

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concePT develoPMenT

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sTudio exPloraTionto crystalize my ideas about movement and speed, i created several series of models that strove to explain the relationship between speed, texture, density, and path.

- the first series focused on motile figures that were attached to a spinning apparatus.- the second series attempted to explain how density could imply speed without physical movement.- series three sprang from series two, but this time allowed for literal movement.- the final series explores how the geometry of a path can affect the speed of movement.

SerieS one

1 2 3 4 5 6

series onei found that when spun at a high enough velocity, the most dis-tinct models lost their detail and became flat. this analysis was used to explain how i believe poeple in urban spaces see their surroundings - by moving so quickly, architecture, people, vegetation, etc., all become lost to speed.

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series Twothe sticks were used as a way to explore density and its insini-uation of pace. i found that the denser the sticks, the more flat the landscape became. it appers that a lack of density can create more diversity.

SerieS Two

SerieS Three

SerieS foUr

1 2 3

1 2

1 2

series Threeusing the previous series as a jumping off point, this series allowed the sticks to move around a central spine. i found that less dense sticks allowed for more freedom in arrangement and created multiple connections.

series fourthe final series explored path as a means for controlling speed. the wire was kept at one length and events were introduced to affect the speed of travel for the beads. i found that when the path varied in both the y and z direction, the beads moved slowest.

SiTe STaTeMenT

bosTons financial disTricT dewey squarethis site represents the commercial center of the city: all is regulated by business. dewey square is at the center of bustling activity: south station and its many transit connections create a constant rush while the surrounding offices of the Federal reserve building, bank of america building, and citizens bank building ensure that people are kept on a traditional clock-dictated schedule. the location of the building willjuxtapose the speed typically associated with the urban center by providing an alternative way to pass through the space.

federal reServe

oS geMeoS MUral

i-93 exiT raMP

bofabUilding

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***http://blog.rosekennedygreenway.org/

siTe qualiTiesideal site qualities require that it is a place of constant rush with clear views and paths to pedes-trian destination points. there should be multiple points of access to the site, yet few destinations.dewey square in downtown boston exhibits all of these qualities.

SoUTh STaTion

federalreServe

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cenTrally locaTed

SchedUled Many connecTionS

clear PaThS To deSTinaTion

clear view To deSTinaTion

ciTizenS bank

PrograM STaTeMenT

connecTion aT The MarkeTdewey square is a place of travel, transit, and movement. it is a place where everyone is in a hurry to get to somewhere else. my program requires slowness, spaces that focus attention, that encourage conversation.

many of those who rush through the plaza are late for a train or a bus and still havent had a chance to eat - or get groceries for their family. besides the fast food offered at south station, there is nowhere permanent to stop and grab a bite. the food trucks have picked up on this and take advantage of the afternoon crowds as they pass by.

the program proposed is a permanent food market with an administrative area and restaurants. the build-ing will provide space for a farmers market on a regular & all season basis and integrate the garden space at dewey square to continue its horticultural aspirations by growing edible greens.

the program also calls for a renewed connection to south station and the red line - both of which sit beneath the site. currently, access to the tunnels below ground is hidden and confusing. this theis proposes a new connection that will expose the speed below ground to those on the surface.

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Program qualiTiesthe ideal program will allow for many unexpected connections to be made. there should be a variety of paths in order for experiences to differ based on entry. the building should also be a landmark, creating a focal point at the center of downtown. the program should draw people inside, and thus cannot be something encountered nearby.

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diSSiMilar PrograMUnexPecTed encoUnTerS

MUlTiPle PaThS To deSTinaTion no clear viewS To deSTinaTion

MUlTiPle enTry PoinTS

bUilding SySTeMS

the building technologies employed will focus heavily on structure because of the tunnels that exist below the site. however, these same tunnelsgenerate smoke, heat, and wind - all possible sources of residual energy generated by moving traffic. the intent is to utilize these to power the building.

since the site receives a large amount of sunlight throughout the year, natural light will also be a significant component of the design. the light will be used both as a way to illuminate the space and to create rhythms within the building.

the most important aspect of the design will be structural - not only because of the sites precarious location, but also because geometry will play an important part in the design of the space. its possible that there will be need for large spans and atypical construction methods.

14Tunnel venTilaTion diagram

air inTake STrUcTUre

SkeTch ProbleM

the site proposed for this thesis is located above a myriad of complicated tunnels that link districts, cities, and states - but youd never guess it while standing there.

all the action happens below ground, out of sight and out of mind. the sketch problem became an opportunity to explore the ways in which these connections could be brought out from hiding and shown to the occupants of the building.

the tunnel system is a complex, yet invisible, landmark. by using the intricacy of the system below ground as a basis for design of the entryway, the landmark becomes visible.

above groundTransiT diagram

below groundTransiT diagram

TransiT secTiondiagram

SUMMer ST.

PUrchaSe ST.

aTlanTic ave.

congreSS ave.

93S

93n

90w

Silver line

red line

deweySqUare

fT. PoinT channel

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sTraTegy:disTincT landmark/ mulTiPle connecTions

federal ST. acceSS

ProSPecT ST. acceSS

SUMMer ST.& aTlanTic ave.acceSS

greenway acceSS

n n

secTion

maKe the invisible landmarK visible.

Plan

create many points oF access.

caSe STUdy - coMPariSon SanTiago calaTrava: STadelhofen Train STaTion | zUrich, SwiTzerland | 1983-1984

santiago calatravas train station utilizes structure as a rhythmic device. the steel supports are placed at distinct points and fully exposed to the occupants. within the building, he utilizes natural light to enhance the undulating geometry - all the openings are placed at regular intervals and create bays of alternating light and dark.

the station is asymmetrical, both at its entrance and within. there are no clearly defined right of ways and passage needs to be determined at a moment by moment basis: the visitor must pay attention to surroundings.

the ideas applicable to my thesis are the notion of assymetry, rhythmic use of structure, and careful consideration of light penetration.

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slow

caSe STUdy - coMPariSonalvaro Siza: baixa-chiado Train STaTion | liSbon, PorTUgal | 1998

alvaro sizas train station creates clear, unambiguous paths of transit for travelers and trains. the walls are covered in tile that disguises all structure. the lighting within the station is artificial and continuous, dividing visitors from the outside,

the entry sets up the symmetry prevalent throught the interior of the station. paths are clearly laid out to permit the commuter to move through the space quickly and efficiently.

this station expresses ideas which i should avoid within the design: symmetry, lack of natural light, and hidden structure.

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fasT

caSe STUdy SifT STUdio: veer | STUTTgarT, gerMany | 2012

veer office: sift studio - ann arbor, mi location: stuttgart / germany program: exhibition

completed: 2012

the installation focuses on passage and movement as affected by various materials and configurations. the exploration of spatial qualities such as scale, tightness, low ceilings, and sloped walls is relevant to my considerations of what affects pace. ***http://siftstudio.com/project/veer

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inside veer

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inTended PaTh

multiple turnslimited views

choice oFmaterialcause pause/limit views

material scaleencourage interaction

multiple pathsForce considered choice

various wall condiTions

interactivematerialreason to pause tight

entrylimited number enetering

sharp turnlimited views

dead endunexpected event

path widthmodify scale to control numbers

movemenT under low ceiling

constrictedspacelimited movement

diFFering ceilingheightsee surroundings from various pov

sloped ceilingattuned attention to surroundings

caSe STUdy rene van zUUk archiTecTen: Pavilion | roSSendaal, neTherland | 2009

rusendaal Pavilion office: ren van zuuk architekten - almere / nl location: city center rossendaal / nl program: pavilion shops/lunchroom/office / entrance for parking area

completed: 06/2009

the project sits atop a parking garage and incorporates retail and restaurants into the program.

the pavilion is relevant to my thesis as a study of how to provide light access and street views beneath the ground. the building is also an example of a landmark.

***http://www.renevanzuuk.nl/english/index_en.html

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Front elevation view into garage rear elevation

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secTion

below ground activity

considered scale

view below ground

side elevaTion

light accessinteractive plaza

multiple view points

rear elevaTion

connection to plaza

variety oF paths

landmarK moment directs entry

reviewS/Moving forward

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ProPosal reviewi spoke to a dozen or so people about my project and the feedback i received was positive. i was somewhat concerned about my program, but all agreed that it was a well-considered choice. i will be moving forward with a permanent public market in combination with revamped access to south station and the red line.

the location, dewey square, is a great example of my critique of urban life: that it moves too fast and this has a negative effect on our health, our awareness of surroundings, and our interpersonal interactions.the comments i received varied from specific ideas to broader considerations of the urban fabric.

questions to consider: - how s

nataliawie thesis

Documents

design development review

n t e n t s

e d g e

final review

urban architecture

design volunteer

schema c review

e n t sthe moment