I started working from the ground up, building out the rear entry and basement level then getting the overall shape and style of the building, including the stair towers, which proved to be one of the biggest obstacles of getting everything to line up properly. I still have to get the second and third floor fenestration worked out as well as how to treat the stair tower materials and how much glass to put into each tower.
On the windows shown at what would be the media center, there will be mechanical sunshades on the outside and lightshelves on the inside. At the third floor there is a perforated metal panel that will have windows behind that can be opened allowing air to flow through transoms in each room and out windows on the opposite side of the building providing relief from summer heat. I am also trying to figure out how much of the roof or if all of the roof should be roof garden.
More to come.
View looking towards the corner of Mass. and Boylston Avenues.
View looking towards the Boylston facade and the main entry.
Looking towards the main entry from Mass Ave. 
A view from a passing car looking towards Mass. Ave.
4 comments:
Nice images. I noticed that the second floor didn’t have windows and then I read your post. I think the masonry works, especially when compared to other BAC facilities. The corrugated metal approach would be closer to the main BAC facility which ignores its context in the use of its exterior materials. I would investigate full glazing at the stair tower on the end. This could make an interesting vertical statement close to Mass. Ave. which could be lit at night and fairly active based on the amount of time we have spent going up and down the stairs in the existing facility.
The trees on the northwest side of the site seem to block the views of the facility from the Mass. Turnpike. Can these be relocated so the views are opened up to traffic? I would also concentrate the green roof on the area above the parking. The opportunities to the north just don’t seem feasible to me because of the adjacent traffic. I have a similar space and while adding a green roof adds to the sustainable strategies, it just doesn’t seem to be the right thing to do in our situation.
Dates combined
Feb 5
ELEVATION UPDATES
Through ventilation good strategy – perhaps for dorms only while supplementing the denser occupancies with forced air and/or enthalpy AC or geothermal.
VIEWS – nice use of color/materials
NOISE: North side looks more solid and protective of interior – good noise strategy. Ditto less roof occupancy (although the top floor is now somewhat protected by its setback – or perhaps by glass enclosure?). East end, however, looks exposed to noise – difficult to solve I know. South entry could be more “fun” and inviting? Try the view from the east closer to grade (5 ft. above) and play with entry – reverse the setbacks? (Of the south first floor blocks?). Good use of color to describe material changes – is this Revit or SketchUp? (Again same mantra for all – how about color/texture in the plans?)
FEB 3
Angled projecting entry has possibilities – expand? Since your second floor is a single loaded corridor on the south you have an opportunity for some solar gain the glare from which will not disturb any of the classrooms – and the light might be introduced via light shelves to the classroom themselves over the tops of the corridor? And views would relieve the length of the corridor. How is ventilation handled here? This could change the elevation considerably and make for an interesting façade.
Jan 21
GREEN STRATEGIES
These are good strategies – it would be interesting to see where they happen in your building in say a section or plan.
PLANS
Good use of color to code use type. It would be interesting to see say the public blue continue outside in the site. The upper floors are so clear I am wondering where the services (plumbing, etc.) descend through the lower floors. Good smaller scale look at individual units.
VIEW NORTHEAST
As shown close to grade is good vantage point – might even be 5’ about grade at eye level? Punched windows fine for dorms (minimize the glass). Any day lighting ideas for the other spaces/glazing? Shading? Keep it in mind as you go ahead. Keeping Boylston street edge is solid urban design – recess at grade is effective invitation to public.
LOOKING WEST (it’s actually looking east – a view looking at the east end is an important also).
Terraced green roofs nice idea (especially as seen from the highway) – but occupancy there very noisy. Perhaps slope and treat as iconic “green” sign. Also north glazing can require lots of energy without corresponding internal loads (unlikely here). You might consider modulating it a little.
Jan 8 RUDOLF’S BUILDING
The three public areas are actually separated by only a low 3’ wall and by about 4 6” steps – so you can take in the entire first floor gallery area.
“Open to below” – the fire marshal freaked when he saw only glass separating the main level with the library below. No idea how he was persuaded to go along. Some make a comparison with Wright’s Larkin Building – google “Larkin Building Wright” will reveal all.
More on Feb 5: the twisted floor plate looks like a challenge structurally - what is it doing for you? How does the structure avoid interfering with what is below? Is there another way to introduce angles if necessary?
The south elevation is startion to look very good. I think the angled entrance is a nice gesture but I wish it was more grandiose. The volume on the east facing Mass Ave. looks like is the back of the building. It is such of an important corner and you shoud really take advantage of it. I looks like you have a stair there, maybe that stair is all glass or if you think it should be solid it could be a more sculptural volume. I don't know this are my two cents, otherwise...looking good. Good Luck
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