Kyung Jae Yu

Kyung Jae YU

GSD2201 Site Representation and Research

December 2010

Objective

The main objective of the project is to bring a transition to the context of the South Boston Seaport District and to provide more connection to and from the downtown area. That is, by creating a waterfront park, and placing various programs (mainly commercial, recreational and residential) in order to bring a new dynamism and liveliness to the area. Rather than a massive development as an expansion of downtown area, the project plans a large open space of landscape and free activities for the citizens, and limited, dense building developments at the area adjacent to downtown.

Programs

As you can see in the site plan below (and the Google Earth KMZ file linked to the image), the new constructions are limited in a specific area, and the other areas will be shaped as a public park, with various landscape features. An opened visual connection with the downtown is obtained, and people will enjoy the open space with commercial, cultural programs on the sides. Residential units are mostly located behind the commercial buildings, while some of them sits on top of the commercial blocks.

Site Plan for the South Boston Seaport.

Click the image to view or download the Google Earth KMZ file

Pespective View

The perspective view below shows the connection and relationship of the open space with the downtown area. Water features are brought more deep inside the to create more attractive public park and more interesting programs.

Birds eye view of the project area

Click image to view in full size

Idea in 3-D

Using Sketchup, the idea and massing is demonstrated. The different colors distinguish the programs; basically red represents commercial units, and yellow represents residentials. While the dense high rise district of downtown Boston acts as a background, a new skyline is formed. You can download the 3-D model from 3-D Warehouse, by clicking the image below.

3-D Sketchup Model

Click image to view or download the file from 3-D Warehouse

A Video Fly-Through

The following video shows the project in various angles and viewpoints, and you will be able to view the proposal in broader context.

Conclusion

Taking all the things into account, I hope the proposal can provide a certain inspiration to others considering the development of the South Boston Seaport area. I hope the proposal of placing a large openspace rather than a massive, dense development on the area can give new thoughts and visions for a more environmentally friendly, and sustainable urban condition.