The Boathouse (second year, 2019

THE BOATHOUSE Proposed boathouse design @ Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row

Second year studio | Final project | 10 weeks

Instructor: Prof. Jeff Krieger

A vacant lot in Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row was the site of this project. This was to house a boathouse that would serve the Philadelphia City Rowing program, aimed for incorporating Philadelphia youth in the sports of rowing, as well as support the students’ academic success and community involvement.

Naturally, a strong message of morals and values was contemplated for this suggested building. Research of the program and the rowing sports singled out values of excellence and comradery to guide the design.

The Building form was therefore chosen to be of double gabled roof, of which one is larger than the other. River-facing facade was insetted in points corresponding with roof ridges, so that one section of the building seems to somewhat face the other. This was to convey a message of brotherhood and friendship. Roof line is thus reflecting ascent to convey a search for excellence, while the gabled form echoes and pays tribute to the gables of the neighboring historic boathouses.

The interior layout was designed in the purpose of creating a large, unobstructed central space, that would serve the transport of the rowing boats on the first floor, and allow for a multipurpose gathering space at the second floor. Care was taken to separate rowers’ circulation from Visitors’, while allowing for tangentialities between the two. A large viewing porch was set in the center of the river’s facade, allowing gatherings of families and fans during Galas. The general wish was to create a generous space that would honor the sports, the program and the historic site.

PLANS, SECTION, PHYSICAL MODEL & CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

Central space kept free of interruptions while utalitary spaces (classrooms, kitchenette, offices) were tucked peripherally. Bathrooms are separated from main gathering space and are accessed from the level of the riverbank through a separate circulation core. Street facade was further three-dimensionalized to reflect different programmatic functions.

Functinal Diagrams

A-A

View of Riverside Facade

Rendering using VRayTM

Large deck and wide, spacious passageway allow for ease of access while delivering the boats toand-from the boat storage space. Glazed, see-through facade further facilitates accessibility, while reflecting the riverview to enhance vista.

Gathering Space

Rendering using VRayTM

This space could be used for gatherings, as rental for events, or as training space for the rowers. Large window allows for vast riverviews. Organic materials were chosen to create an intimate, inviting atmosphere.