Rotch Finalist Competition Entry – 2008

A multifaceted community center highlighting the loss of the Elevated Railway and the parallel lack of government and social services provided to this vital collection of communities in Boston. The project suggests the reestablishment of access through the provision of arts and music programs centered around the youth of the community. The program is divided into two clusters, represented spatially and materially as “The Underground” and “the El”, housing community and education programs respectively. “The El” floats above “The Underground” providing an urban landscape for community events, art shows and gatherings. The life and creative developments of the building are represented inside and out through digital displays and sign boards, and high levels of visibility to the activities happening within.