Design projections for a commuter ferry terminal and commercial pier in Portland, Maine's historic urban waterfront

Abstract

The work is based on a design project: to connect the grid urban form, and its associated buildings, and their uses, to the larger Maine (natural) landscape, and its forms. These two contextual categories will strongly influence the evolution of the pier site design and ferry terminal design. This work investigates a possible design projection for a commuter ferry terminal and adjacent mixed-use commercial areas on a pier "finger" extension from the historic waterfront area in Portland, Maine. The thesis presents my attitude toward the assemblage of buildings and landscape forms. The assemblage process is the subject of this thesis; its evolution responds to the conditions and needs within the existing context, and is stated in the programmed requirements. The object of this thesis will be the collection of design process drawings. The focus of the thesis is a design exploration for the development of a ferry terminal, a "town room" at the water's edge that is simultaneously functioning as a transportation facility, and an aggregation of varied mixed uses for the public and private sectors. It responds and fits into the existing surrounding context.