now + next | Issue 2 | 2020

ISSUE 2: 2020

now+next Originally constructed in 1915, Kenmore Abbey Apartments was part of a wave of new residential development precipitated by the extension of the Boylston Street subway to Boston’s Kenmore Square.

As such, the Kenmore may be thought of as an early example of a transitoriented development.

Within a few years of its construction an addition was built as well as a third floor bridge linking it across a rear lot alley to the Wadsworth Hall. The two buildings were subsequently converted to a hospitality use as the storied Kenmore Hotel. In 1983, the firm oversaw its historic restoration and conversion to its original residential use as the Kenmore Abbey, an age-restricted senior apartment building. The design team took special care in the preservation and stabilization of the Kenmore’s distinctive green tile mansard roof and terracotta detailing as well as reconstructive repair of the copper-clad bridge connecting it to Wadsworth Hall. The project received National Park Service approval as a certified historic rehabilitation and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The firm recently completed another series of renovations 30 years after the original restoration.

REIMAGINING NORMAL We look to conventional wisdom for guidance, but in the presence of an unconventional challenge, the rules keep changing. Our understanding of the hazards evolves daily, as do the metrics.

In architecture, speculation about the future “new normal” conflicts with what was progressive thinking only a few months ago. A priori assumptions about the desirability of mass transit, collaboration space, open plan, urbanization, and density are suddenly questioned. We read articles about the de-densification of the office space of the future (a return to the compartmentalized office of the past?) and a predicted exodus to the suburbs (a virus-motivated reprise of sixties urban flight?). The list goes on.

FEW EVENTS HAVE CHALLENGED SO MANY ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT HOW WE LIVE, WORK AND PLAY, SO BROADLY AND SO QUICKLY AS THE PRESENT CORONAVIRUS Will we really see an end to sports stadiums, bar culture, CRISIS.

and all the collective activities that are part of human social existence? Past pandemics, from the Spanish flu of 1918, the 2002 SARS epidemic, the 2006 Bird Flu outbreak, and the Black Plague of the fourteenth century suggest that they will not.

Which is not to say that some changes will not last. Mask-wearing may become an enduring commonplace here as it has been in Asian countries for years.

Routine temperature screening of visitors to office buildings may become the norm just as security screening became the norm after 9/11. Expect to see changes to ventilation requirements and

filtration systems and the appearance of copper-alloy door and fixture handles and any number of subtle, less socially wrenching precautions against contagion.

The Coronavirus pandemic may temporarily reverse some trends such as the share economy, but those trends which are driven by demographic, economic, or environmental imperatives will almost certainly resume once society becomes habituated to the risk.

Remote work is one of them. The quarantine of the last few months has demonstrated many of its benefits and will firmly establish a trend that people have been talking about for some time.

However, a little circumspection is called for. Remote working is not ideal for everyone and seldom full-time. The downsides require an honest appraisal.

While no one would argue that two hours a day commuting could be more productively spent, for many that time will simply be exchanged for the additional time required by formal digital communication with colleagues. In general, this will be true to the degree an individual is in a position which requires monitoring and coordinating the work of others, but it also applies to the efficient informal exchange of information and ideas between colleagues. In fact, it’s fair to ask how much useful information never gets exchanged because of the hassle required to do it digitally. If a question arises in the

studio about a flashing detail or the building code, there may be half a dozen colleagues within earshot to ask, but would that same person take the time to make a call or send an email?

How long would it take to get an answer? Then there is the effect of isolation on the education of young architects. For them, half of their working education is learned simply by hearing the conversations going on around them. Perhaps most importantly, we need to be careful to preserve an office culture which is based upon the bonds that develop between colleagues.

We have a history of adaptive reuse. The essence of which is taking a situation which is less than ideal, finding the opportunities in it, and turning it into something better. That mentality has served us well and will continue to as we move forward. We will take the lessons that we have learned over the last few months and apply them as we all adapt to the new normal. We will move beyond the present crisis, taking with us our newfound knowledge that will strengthen our connections, protect our health, and come out stronger for it.

Recently adapted Boston Young Men’s Christian Union | Photographer: Joel Howe

Michael E. Liu, AIA, NCARB Vice President, Principal

ACTIVATING OUTDOOR SPACES People are drawn to spaces where they can gather, connect, and celebrate.

Ever-shrinking housing units continue to push the demand for amenity spaces, expanding residents’ living experience beyond the walls of their units. Especially in cities and urban environments where density is constantly increasing, outdoor space is vital to multifamily or mixed-use success.

“Well-designed amenity spaces are one of the most effective ways to foster connections and socialization opportunities for residents.

This isn’t a new phenomenon: Nearly 40 years ago, the urbanist William H. Whyte noted in his seminal book, The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces, “what attracts people most, it would appear, is other people”, says Ed Bradford, AIA NCARB LEED AP.

Avalon Residences at the Hingham Shipyard | Photographer: Joel Howe

Elan Union Market | Photographer: Andy Ryan

Clippership Wharf | Photographer: Ed Wonsek

Whether these areas are at-grade, designed as part of waterfront wharf structures, built on rooftops, or planned as a central courtyard, outdoor gathering areas are part of an overall package. The best outdoor spaces are informed by a distinct identity of place, and they reflect the culture and history of their location. “People love to be outside,” says Kate Macaulay, Director of Interior Design at TAT. “It’s a market preference that our clients always take note of. If given the opportunity, tenants will utilize exterior spaces – and they’ll appreciate them as amenities.”

Avalon Saugus | Photographer: Joel Howe

Alexan 3 North | Photographer: Joel Howe

THE COMPANY WE KEEP

Alexan 3 North

TCR has a unique set of business strategies that TAT responds to by consistently delivering dynamic solutions that are relevant, innovative, and efficient.

Cooperative and responsive, TAT organizes the complexity of a project to solve collective challenges through thoughtful, pragmatic design.

What we value most is the firm’s ability to utilize project parameters to their creative advantage, which ultimately maximizes TCR’s investment returns and project objectives. — Andy Huntoon, Managing Director, Trammel Crow Residential

TRAMMEL CROW RESIDENTIAL

Alexan Wrentham | Photographer: Joel Howe

Alexan 3 North

THE HOMES AT OLD COLONY South Boston, MA | Beacon Communities

+next

Whittier Street | Boston, MA | Preservation of Affordable Housing | Renderer: TAT St. Therese Everett | Everett, MA | The Neighborhood Developers | Renderer: TAT The Tannery | Peabody, MA | WinnDevelopment | Renderer: BASE3D Moran Square | Fitchburg, MA | Rees-Larkin Development | Renderer: TAT

“Old Colony Phase III C is a perfect example of how leading developers of affordable and workforce housing are employing Passive House standards to benefit from their lower ongoing operating costs, healthier interior environments for residents, and a growing number of incentives from local housing authorities. We’ve seen an uptick in Passive House apartment projects in multiple markets where we’re active as it has become a critical step in broadening adoption and ultimately facilitating more and better affordable homes.” — Nate Thomas, CPHC, Project Manager

+fyi

The Kenmore was one of Boston’s finest hotels. With Fenway Park just three blocks away, it soon became Boston’s baseball headquarters. While the Braves still belonged to Boston, all 14 visiting ball clubs stayed at The Kenmore – the only hotel in major league history that housed every visiting team.

Client: Preservation of Affordable Housing Photographer: Gustav Hoiland