All Topics
Designing Schools in Urban Settings
Unlike the expansive school sites found in rural and suburban settings, the urban built environment presents as many opportunities as challenges. In today’s economic climate, urban schools are often built along highways, regional train lines or densely populated neighborhoods of commercial and residential use – often referred to as ‘found spaces’. Such realities tend to guide the focus of our…
AIA – NOMA: Celebrating African American Museum in DC
Last month I attended the grand opening of the Smithsonian National African American Museum of History and Culture on the Mall in DC. It was particularly special for me given my cultural connection to what the museum exhibits as well as the tremendous collaborative efforts put forth by three well regarded black architects; David Adjaye, Phil Freelon and Max Bond….
Touring KIPP Academy Boston
Last week, Katie Ferrier and I led a group of Arrowstreet designers on a tour of the new KIPP Academy Boston Charter School in Mattapan. As the project nears completion, school administrators are gearing up for the start of school, and we took a sneak peek at what the new facility will provide for KIPP students and the local community. After…
The Hallway as a Classroom
Hallways take up large amounts of usable space within a building, and given the inherent function of circulation as the means to move from one space to another, this is particularly true in a school building. At a time when real estate development and construction costs are soaring, owners are eager to find ways to maximize their space and are…
Black in Design Conference
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending Harvard GSD’s first ever Black In Design Conference, hosted by GSD’s African American Student Union (AASU). The two-day symposium involved local and national speakers covering the roles of both professor and practitioner in all facets of the design and digital media industries. The primary focus was on the impact of equitable…
Cornerstone Placed at KIPP Boston
Last week, Arrowstreet attended the cornerstone event for the KIPP Boston Academy in Mattapan. On hand for the ceremony were community members, financial donors, school administrators, parents, students, and the design and construction teams. It was gratifying to see so many students and their expressions of excitement and anticipation after having seen the progress of their future school. As I…
Conversation Series Kick Off
Last month week we kicked off an office-wide Conversation Series on “Project Delivery & Design Process” with the first of five project case studies featuring Conservatory Lab Charter School. As part of Arrowstreet’s constant efforts to improve, this initiative focuses on our current methods for project delivery and the design process we utilize to get there. This first conversation was…
Upcoming BosNOMA Meeting
As a newly minted co-chair of the Boston chapter of NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects), I wanted to share that our next upcoming meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th. NOMA (noma.net) is a minority-based organization, in partnership with the AIA. Our goal is to regain traction for the local chapter and engage a more diverse community of leaders and designers in the profession.
KIPP Boston Taking Shape
Over the past 12 months Arrowstreet has been fully engaged in the design, documentation, and permitting efforts for the new KIPP Academy Boston Charter School scheduled to break ground this March. The new school will not only be a tremendous upgrade for the KIPP students, faculty, and staff but will also become a valuable asset to the local Mattapan community.
A Milestone for Parcel K
I am pleased to announce the Boston Redevelopment Authority’s recent approval of the proposed concept design for Parcel K, a mixed-use residential and hotel development in the Innovation District. A handsome addition to the neighborhood, the development will enhance the streetscape activity along Northern Avenue and perpetuate the spirited night life and energy that’s been started by venues like the adjacent Liberty Wharf and Blue Hills Bank Pavilion.