Richard Alomar, Melissa Murphy and Michael Tuzel
Submission 0125
Threshold Plaza
Existing patterns of circulation and pedestrian movement in this area are
as diverse and lively as Boston’s storied history. Development tumbles
along two parallel corridors – Tremont (commercial) and Warren Streets
(residential). This project presents the opportunity to reconnect the site
with the city through these pathways of activity. The Plaza design is based
on two central concepts: flow and connectivity –In and Out.
The movement of people in and out of the BCA building and shops through building
entrances provides a metaphor for movement through the plaza – movement
through a threshold.
The Plaza’s layout was arrived at by extrapolating the angles of Milford
Street, building entrances and pedestrian circulation patterns. Significant
intersections and transitions were marked with a threshold. The programming
of Plaza and the interior Art Court space are connected by lobbies, stairs
and passageways in the interior of these buildings. The sense of circular
flow traveling around the perimeter of the Plaza is resonated and reinforced
in the openings of the thresholds.
The plaza is flexible, open and available to all. The thresholds are translucent
and open, allowing light to penetrate and frame iconic views of the Downtown
Boston. They function visually as landmarks, doorways and backdrops. Functionally
they may provide for seating, lights, ATM machines and announcement boards.
Visually and physically linked to the main pedestrian paths, the BCA, Plaza
and, the Art Court become destinations - funneling the energy of Downtown
visitors into the ongoing revival of Boston and reinforcing the BCA’s
mission.
