(RE)Defining the Program

Reevaluating my thesis statement and ideas, I have decided to change the program of my project. Making a complete 180, my program has changed from a wellness spa to a small library branch. The skin of the building is still very important to this type of program. The books require very specific air and lighting qualities to remain in usable condition. The North End already has a larger, one story library near by however my thesis will be more of an infill project expressing verticality. A library is still an integral part of a community, acting as a public space to all. It not only houses books and articles but also acts as a community center offering classes to the neighborhood, a space to use computers and internet and also arranges social events for children and teens. This thesis project will be a significant addition to the North End community. 

Site Analysis

The program for my thesis has changed from a 'wellness' spa to a small branch library in the North End. The site is still a workable area none the less. It is also in close proximity to the existing larger branch library located only a few streets over. There can be a possible connection between the existing and proposed libraries in my thesis. 

Chuck Hoberman: Adaptive Fritting

Chuck Hoberman created this installation for the Harvard Graduate School of Design in Cambridge, Mass. The glass panels employ a pattern that moves and changes to control heat gain and light while still allowing transparency for the viewing in and out. 

Chuck Hoberman: Adaptive Fritting

Chuck Hoberman: Adaptive Fritting

Chuck Hoberman's website:

Adaptive Fritting

Defining the Program

The program of my thesis is heading in the direction of a spa - not your typical manicure, pedicure and facial type of spa however. The interior spaces of my project require specific air qualities to function properly and it is the building skin's job to moderate the exterior environment from the interior to achieve these qualities. 


People retreat to a spa for many reasons, some of which include meditation, purification, relaxation, wellness, cleansing, detoxification or stimulation. My thesis will be considered a Wellness Spa and will house activities meant to calm the mind, body and soul. 


The list of program includes but is not limited to:

Massage + Acupuncture

Body Wraps + Scrubs

Mud Baths

Saunas

Hot Yoga

Water Elements: pools, baths, hot tubs

Final Site Selection: North End

The final site for my thesis will be located in the North End. Just down the street from Old North Church on Salem Street lies an empty, dilapidated building. This is the perfect site for my thesis. It's a dense location surrounded by residential, commercial, dining, and educational services. The character of the North End will work perfectly for my 'healing retreat'.

Site Selection

The reason for the selection of these two sites deals with their similarities but also extreme differences. Both have severe weather elements in the summer and winter months, ranging from high heat and humidity to freezing cold temperatures. They are both also coastal locations - Ogunquit being waterfront while Boston has more inland areas. On the other hand the density of each site is quite different. Boston is an urban location while Ogunquit is a suburban town.

Zoomed in site choice: I chose 3 more specific sites around Boston to consider for my thesis. They are Newbury Street, Rose Kennedy Greenway/Long Wharf area, and South Boston near the ICA.