Fenway Analysis

This analysis has been conducted in order to understand the nieghborhood of West Fenway and to also understand its gateways. Our particular blocks had a gateway related to Kenmore Square, thus our analysis pointed us in that direction. 

MIT Campus

This post is going to focus on MIT's campus, specifically Killian court and the Kresge oval. What is interesting about the site in general is that it had so many different types of architecture that create different types of spaces, it feels as though you move from one campus to the next.

Focusing on Killian court firstly, it is important to note that this was the original entrance to MIT's campus. After adjusting with the major paths of travel, and taking into consideration the bus route, they moved the entrance to the side of the building, where it is today.

Another interesting thing that effects the spaces is that the campus backs right up next to the Charles river, so visually the boundary extends beyond that and the other side of the river becomes the 'ending wall'. Below is a sketch illustrating that:



Killian court is quite large and is oozing with symmetry. The classical style with columns and pediments make the space feel monumental. Grassy open areas flanked by trees and bushes define the space.



Below is a sketch of how the bushes flank an entrance and are manicured to be symmetrical and not obstruct any views across the river.



Here is a plan of the space:



There is a mirror line that you can draw that runs the length of the space, and that is the defining point of the symmetry.


Next, we went to Kresge circle, an area just south of Killian court. It was so interesting to see the two spaces and compare them, because they both have elements of symmetry, yet they feel vastly different.

Here is a view of the space and the boundaries that the building create :



Here is a plan of the space. You can see that symmetry is trying to be achieved and that the 'oval' gets interrupted by the buildings. This creates a very interesting condition:


This view is looking towards the chapel. It represents a clear boundary of trees and buildings across the street. Notice that the prudential center is also in view in the background:


There are all different types of architecture that is occurring within the space. The interesting thing is how it all works together and how the symmetry is disturbed:



Overall, Killian court and Kresge circle have a lot in common if you look at their plan view. They both have elements of symmetry. They both have buildings flanking and defining borders. They also both have open space. But the defining elements in Killian court are the stark classical architecture and the apparent mirror line that is evident. In Kresge circle, it is the disturbance of symmetry and placement of various types of architecture that make the space unique.

Post office square

The post for today is about Post office square. I am excited to share this with you because it is an awesome space in boston, right in the middle of the financial district. 

Originally an above ground parking garage, post office square was seriously lacking in the appeal of the area. Then, plans were made to transform the space and put the parking underground. The result is a lovely park that is considerate of the area and transformative in use. Below is a sketch of the section of the park: 

 

Here is a sketch of the access to the underground parking. Notice the trees and greens that form a barrier to make the entrance disappear within the rest of the space:

The symmetry of the space was also intriguing to me. Although there was symmetry, it seemed to be symmetrical with the surrounding areas. The symmetry was with the surrounding buildings, and not necessarily just with itself. This was another way to relate the surroundings. The picture below describes an extent of the symmetry found on the site:

 

Another interesting element about the space is that there are 3 greenhouses that seem to pop up out of the ground and they all serve a different function. One is direct access to the parking garage below via escalators and stairs, another is an elevator down to the parking, and the last one is a cafe that has sandwiches and coffee and an outdoor seating area. Below is a detail of the structure and how even the structure incorporates human interaction with built in benches:

On the edge of one side is a long strip of pergola that extends into the sidewalk and invites visitors. This simple gesture asks people to come and use the space and makes it feel more inviting. Vines that wrap around the structure give more of a garden feeling to the space. One interesting fact is that all of the trees are labeled and the space is maintained by Harvard (who also maintains the Arnold Arboretum). 

Overall, post office square does an excellent job of incorporating the surrounding areas with the site and creating an inviting and open park space in the middle of the city. 

Louisburg Square

The investigation for today is Louisburg square. Located in historic beacon hill, the square is nestled in between high end homes and narrow sloping roads. This particular location on beacon hill is very steep and therefore dictates how you experience the park as you approach it.

                                     

One of the main points of interest on the town homes that frame this little square are the doors that have ornament, with classical details that give a sense of monumentality. 

      

Another interesting detail is the corner lamp post. Made of iron, it gives an old world feel to the square. 

One of the more interesting things about Louisburg Square is that it has a centralized park that is not open to the public. This is a great green space in the middle of the bustling city but it is not useable, which is a downside to the overall flow, circulation, and perception of the space. Below is a section of the space. You can see the centralized park and the circulation that happens around it. The trees act as a barrier to the center of the park.

 

The townhouses that frame Louisburg square are quite interesting. They frame the overall space and add a material element of ornateness and further the balance of the space.

 When looking at the details of the space, one can see the history that has been somewhat preserved. When looking at the different layers (as stated in the drawing below), from stone to granite to paving. This is a result of years of use and an adaptation to the 'modern' times. 

The drawing above also illustrates the ornateness of the townhouses and how they emphasize the entrance and first floor. This emulates historic architecture and greek temples. 

Overall, louisburg square is an interesting example of open space in the city- valuable real estate that is only used for circulation. But with all of its faults, louisburg square delivers on beauty and a sense of openness surrounded by the urbanity that is boston. 

Welcome!

Hi there!



Welcome to this site, Visual Perceptions and the City. This blog is intended to compliment the class that I am taking at Wentworth Institute of Technology, all about the wonderful spaces throughout Boston, and how I see them and interpret them in a visual and experiential way.
This is the beginning of the class, but so far it has been so interesting to really see the city that I have called home for almost 4 years.
So each week I will post about a different place located in Boston. This week is Lewisburg Square located in the historic Beacon Hill area.

Enjoy...