Reclaiming no-man's land : a case study in the utilization of expressway land-scraps

Abstract

The motive behind this thesis is to attempt a solution to a particular, seemingly intractable urban architectural problem, and in the process generate technical innovations, architectural forms and methodological approaches which potentially can have more general application. The chosen site is a tangled intersection of expressways in the center of Boston. A plan is developed for the construction of a complex of new social spaces literally enveloping the expressway, incorporating the spaces above and below ramps and highway spans. There are two particular insights which infuse this project as a whole: The first is an understanding that the numerous negative characteristics imparted by urban traffic to their surroundings highways can be overcome through innovation. The second is that such spaces also have quite positive and unique properties which can be culled out and enhanced. Within the thesis, specific proposals are advanced for the mitigation of problems such as fumes, noise and vibrations; at the same time, there is a concerted effort to utilize the highway itself- the roof it provides, the erratic lighting, and other features-in such a way that it is integrated into the new structures and contributes both aesthetically and practically to their functions.