Climate change poses a significant threat to the communities of East Boston, with expected sea level rise up to 14 feet over the next 50 years. Climate Ready Boston proposes green space interventions along the coast to act as a natural buffer to rising sea levels. However, access to East Boston will still be significantly impacted as many transportation routes are cut off. This building proposes a transportation hub between inland and ferry travel, as well as a central market for the exchange of local goods and ideas. The building design focuses on creating different moments of connection - both with the surrounding community and within the building.
The circular market has no destination. Though connected to the transportation loop via a large atrium, the market consists of open spaces for vendors to sell local goods and semi-private spaces in which visitors can pause.
The cantilevered loop creates new running paths underneath the building, along the coast. A series of vertical windows juxtapose horizontal movement throughout the building through slower moments of verticality.
4.025 Architecture Design Studio III
Professor Cristina Parreno
Fall 2021