Context and change : a neighborhood block in Cambridgeport

Abstract

This thesis addresses the problem of developing continuity between an existing residential area and a design of a medium density housing development. An identification of architectural patterns in the area of the site yields an abstract model of a typical block involving different building types on different zones of the block. This model is applied to the organization of the new housing development and modified to suit new programmatic requirements. Ensuing design development shows that continuity with an urban residential context can be found at both an organizational level and at the level of architectural detail, while responding to the demands of a new housing programme.