Gibson Point

“Design for Well-being” is at the heart of Gibson Point, a 291-unit residential redevelopment project along the waterfront. Despite recent industrial use, the site has a rich history of respite, recreation and connectivity to water and nature. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, beach-related leisure activities brought Bostonians and surrounding communities the Point of Pines neighborhood. Gibson Point reconnects the waterfront and its amenities to the neighborhood, bringing the focus of wellness back to the site.

The programing and interior design for Gibson Point is built upon the question “How do you actively participate in your own wellness?” The pursuit of wellness is neither a static nor passive state but is a highly individualized ongoing pursuit. Wellness is also multidimensional and includes physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, and environmental. Focusing on the active and multidimensional aspects of wellness, the design team developed 13 well-being verbs to guide the design.  

Resident wellness extends beyond programming into the interior and architectural design. Biophilic design, which elicits a sense of connection with nature, is achieved in multiple layers.

• The main lobby features a large tree and understory plantings at the base of the monumental stair, as well as numerous live plants scattered around the space, and dried moss wall panels.
• Curvilinear and organic shaped soft furnishings and decorative light fixtures mimic forms in nature. Curved tambour wood millwork and curved plaster corners soften the interior architecture. The organic shape of the central planter gently guides residents around the space.
• Biophilia finds its way to the exterior through an expansive and iconic green roof. Originally created to bring light and views into the courtyard and to reduce the scale of the massing, the layer of vegetation brings a multitude of wellness and environmental benefits to the project. 

Gibson Point is an all-electric building and PV-ready, neither of which was required by code, but this early decision exemplifies the client and Arrowstreet’s commitment to creating sustainable communities. Another early decision was to elevate the ground floor and primary utility rooms two feet above projected sea level rise. The landscape prioritizes resiliency with permeable pavers along the boardwalk, rain gardens, and native, sea-salt tolerant plantings.