allston public library
DESCRIPTION
Building AnalysisTRANSCRIPT
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Project Details:Academic Studio: Boston Architectural College (BAC)Scope: Individual Project by Shihab NaeemProject Objective: Select a building within the greater Boston, MA area (example: Phillips Exeter Public Library by Louis Kahn, Car-penter Center by Le Corbusier) and analyze, document findings and develop a conceptual analysis of building through graphical production.Duration: 8 WeeksDate: 1st 1/2 of Fall 2001 Semester
The Allston Public Library adds a synergy to Allston, MA a neighborhood which borders Harvard University
Foundation Studio: Building Analysis Selected Building: Allston Public Library, Allston MAArchitect: Machado & Silvetti ArchitectsOffice Location: Boston, MA Instructor: Gregory Buck, 617 262 5000
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The�Allston�Public�Library�was�finished�being�built�in�the�summer�of�2001�and�ready�to�delight�people�with
it’s�charm�and�elegance.��The�colors�from�the�materials�conjure�feelings�of�fall�and�the�insidious�warmth�that
comes�with�it.��Slate�is�used�in�two�manners�for�the�building.��It’s�used�as�a�foundation�as�well�as�cladding
on�winged�portion�of�the�building.
The�wing
The�monolith
Design�Studio�B1
Experiential�Building�Analysis�(8�weeks)
The�Allston�Public�Library�by�Machado�Silvetti
Instructor:�Gregory�Buck
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Introduction
The Allston Public Library by Machado Silvetti Architects introduced itself as a charming and delightful building in the fall of 2001. The colors from the materials conjure feelings of autumn and the vast colors of foliage. Slate is used in 2 manners. The first being a foundation cladding on the far left portion of the wall and veneer cladding on the winged portion on far right area.
The�Allston�Public�Library�was�finished�being�built�in�the�summer�of�2001�and�ready�to�delight�people�with
it’s�charm�and�elegance.��The�colors�from�the�materials�conjure�feelings�of�fall�and�the�insidious�warmth�that
comes�with�it.��Slate�is�used�in�two�manners�for�the�building.��It’s�used�as�a�foundation�as�well�as�cladding
on�winged�portion�of�the�building.
The�wing
The�monolith
Design�Studio�B1
Experiential�Building�Analysis�(8�weeks)
The�Allston�Public�Library�by�Machado�Silvetti
Instructor:�Gregory�Buck
14
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Design�Studio�B1
Experiential�Building�Analysis�(8�weeks)
The�Allston�Public�Library�by�Machado�Silvetti
Instructor:�Gregory�BuckSketch Analysis
What made the analysis so challenging was the fact that there was no literature or readily available documentation since the building was so new (it was completed upon the beginning of the studio). I went about the analysis by investigating the several different aspects of building and finding what is compelling and do a series of quick sketch vignettes.
Design�Studio�B1
Experiential�Building�Analysis�(8�weeks)
The�Allston�Public�Library�by�Machado�Silvetti
Instructor:�Gregory�Buck
Conceptual Drawing of the Lighting Scheme at Front Entry
Conceptual Sketch Drawing of the Shelves in the Front Portion
Sketch Vignette of Reading Rooms in Library
The front entry was a double height space that was both dramatic and inviting.
The shelving scheme was interesting in that they wrapped around the struc-tural columns
The most compelling area was the reading rooms because they were between glass courtyards. It was a Miesian expression where exterior blends with the interior and nature floods the library.
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Floor Plan of Allston Public Library:
1. Main Library Area2. Reading Rooms3. Courtyard4. Recreational/Function Area
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Sketch Depicting a Paved Walkway which sepa-rates courtyard/reading room spaces with the functional/recreational
The Glassed Courtyards (Green Portion) are a major part of design and the rest of the analysis is dedicated to the production of drawings which articulate this concept.
Sketch Analysis
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Final Drawings
After understanding that the glassed courtyards were a compelling feature of library, I began laying out drawings that would support this idea. My concept was aimed at showing that these courtyard create a penetrating sense of nature within a library setting. It represented a Miesian idea where light, greenery permeate creating a serene and appropriateness for a library, a place of reflection, solitude and intellectual inquiry.
Front Elevation
Section 1Sec
tion
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Section 1
Section 2 Key Plan
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Final Drawings
30/60 Degree Axonometric Drawing. The Exploded Courtyards articulate the architectural qualities of this the area by showing how the glazing wraps around the courtyards and how the mullions and muntons are arranged.
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Final Drawings
A Perspective Drawing of the interior is shown again to articulate my con-cept of the courtyards flooding nature into library.
Key Plan
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