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Building Information Marveling
Perhaps it’s the inner BIM (Building Information Modeling) geek in me, but I’m constantly impressed while looking at the construction document level MEP models that our engineers generate. While there is a certain level of mundanity to the subject matter, there is also an elegance that stems from being able to visualize the entirety of the air and hydronic systems in a building in three dimensions. The models at this stage of development are notable because they represent the many hours of thought and effort from the engineering disciplines all consolidated into one digital representation…
Four Season Commuting
With the onset of spring, many people focus their attention on spending more time outdoors. A popular choice is cycling, particularly here in New England which has a strong history of mountain biking and road riding. I’d like to share some advice about combining a few passions many of us share – as my son says, “saving the world”, exercise, and something we all need to do: commuting to work…
Mocking Up a New Office Space
Arrowstreet recently unveiled a new studio section designed to test an open plan concept. Eight stations (four benching layouts and four shared U-shaped) were constructed using recycled materials from an area formerly secluded and compartmentalized. By eliminating tall walls and bringing available light deeper into the space, we created a much better flow with the rest of the office. We will push the “reduce, recycle, reuse” concept further by moving into smaller stations and sharing adjacent meeting tables, a stand-up meeting bar, and a sketching station. Photos to come!
Artists for Humanity in Improper Bostonian
Improper Bostonian recently ran a feature on unique places to hold weddings and their reception, and included Artists for Humanity EpiCenter. Part of our design for the LEED Platinum EpiCenter included an open gallery that could be rented out as event space to help fund the non-profit’s mission. In the years since it’s opened, AFH has seen not just weddings,…
Excel Academy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
October 3rd was a great day at Excel Academy Charter School’s East Boston campus. I attended their ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the project and, while it was drizzling and dreary outside, the sun was clearly shining in their newly completed addition. Packed full of students, faculty, board members, and public officials, energy and excitement filled the room…
New Photography for Reykjavik Natura
We recently received new photos of the beautiful Reykjavik Natura hotel, which just re-opened this June after renovations…
Wonderland South Garage – Progress Update
Visible signs of progress are on display at the Wonderland South Garage project in Revere. The first in a series of stainless steel mesh panels have been installed at the south façade; these panels offer a nice play on opacity, especially given the nature of the precast structure. When complete, these panels will be illuminated with blue LED lighting, adding color and visual interest at night…
Structural Insulated Panels in Lake Winnipesaukee
I have been working on a private residence on an island in Lake Winnipesaukee utilizing innovative structural insulated panels (SIPS). The system was developed by a company in Rhode Island for outfitting ships at sea, was subsequently adapted to provide demountable structures for the US military in Afghanistan, and is now being adapted further for home building…
Freeport Village Wins Excellence Award
We are proud to announce that the Arrowstreet-designed Freeport Village Station was awarded the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Excellence in Construction Merit Award. The awards program is a premier competition, and Freeport Village’s win designates it one of the most outstanding construction projects in the nation…
Patriot Place Time-Lapse
When I have the opportunity to provide routine construction site visits over an extended period of time, I often make an effort to photograph the progress from a consistent given vantage point. Sometimes my efforts are successful, while at other times construction-related activities can make this challenging.