Michael Immel, Landscape Architect LLC, Mattapoisett, MA
Matthew Allain, Architect, Fairhaven, MA
Ben Watkins, Photographer, Boston, MA
Submission 0135
Concept
We bring the INSIDE::OUT by connecting the artist’s courtyard to the
plaza through the central portal of the Tremont Estates Building. We bring
the OUTSIDE::IN with an open passage allowing community access to the spaces
and places of the Boston Center for the Arts.
Courtyard
We redefine the courtyard to create a planted ground level public passage,
with seating, and commercial outdoor space for restaurants. Integrated with
other Arts activities the courtyard carries more than backdoor service functions
and provides not only for fire and service access, but also block through
circulation, safety, and urban amenity.
Portal
At the Tremont Estates Building we change the main door into corbelled arch
visually connecting plaza and courtyard. A great staircase provides subterranean
access between building and courtyard. At first floor level we create a glass
floored mezzanine with a cut-out rectangle that provides height to this subterranean
breezeway. The mezzanine permits circulation between Mills Gallery and the
studio staircase; the elevator connects mezzanine to courtyard level.
Plaza
Trees shape its perimeter and a shallow tier of steps define the moment you
leave the sidewalk for the calm of the plaza. The large zelkova tree is set
within a raised planter bounded by benches. Cast glass blocks illuminated
from within provide nightly delight and seating in the day as well as a cool
green contrast to Boston brick paving. Fountains cool neighborhood kids as
they shoot up from the pavement and musicians play in the outdoor lobby/stage
near the Café.
