Institute of Contemporary Arts, Peir 4, and the Harbor

South Boston was transformed over time to fit the needs of the city. Recently it has seemed to hit a slow point. The harbor front in this part of the city is sparsely developed and contains multiple paved deserts lined with cars. The space itself is bordered by pier 4 to the south and several sea walls on all other sides. Tucked in the lower south east corner resides the Institute of Contemporary Arts.

Facing the north, views expand into the distance across the harbor to Charlestown on the opposite side. Views to the South overlook the multiple parking lots and beyond to the convention center and buildings beyond. The south east brings views across to Pier 4 and beyond to the islands in the distance.

The space gives off a very tranquil feeling even though it is so close to downtown. Its often enjoyed by people strolling along the walk ways that hug the harbor's shore. Often people can be seen sitting along the wall, enjoying the views and takign a rest from their activities. Possible future development brings a potential promise to the site, hoping one day that space will be full of activity instead full of cars.

Christian Science Center

Founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy, the Christian Science Center is home to The First Church of Christ, Scientist. The space contains multiple structures of varying heights. The tallest being the administration building in the far southeastern corner of the site. The particular portion of analyzation was the far western portion of the Christian Science Center, Mass Ave, and over into Church Park. The history of the site is unknown to me however, it can be deducted that multiple buildings, roads, and other infastructure had to be demolished in order to create what is currently there. The old portion of the The First Church of Christ (pictured below, right) was constructed in 1894 with the founding of the organization. The addition to the church, the larger, more prominent and well known structure, was constructed in 1904. 

Additions to the site were completed at two separate times. The Mary Baker Eddy Library was constructed in the northwestern portion of the site and was completed in 1934. The current plaza, the administration building, the colonnade, as well as the sunday school building all were constructed during the 1970's. The plaza consists of a pool which lines the center of the space providing reflections of the surrounding buildings and cityscape. A green space in the western portion gives an inviting feeling to the site. Bounded by two major avenues on the western and southern boundaries (Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues), there is some feeling of chaos. 

In the particular portion for analysis, there is constant traffic running through the space. Massachusetts Avenue divides the space in two with the Christian Science Center to the east and Church Park to the west. The openness of the plaza on the eastern portion allows for maximum pedestrian movement. The sidewalk along the western edge provides some safety from the avenue, however it can be a little busy. In relation to surrounding neighborhood, the site is surrounded by quiet side streets lined with victorian era architecture as well as many brownstones (typical of the Back Bay neighborhood). The concrete contemporary construction of Church Park with the several varying architectures of the Christian Science Center some what contrast with the surrounding neighborhoods. 

Back Bay Fens

The Back Bay Fens was created in response to the filling of a marsh tidal zone. Completed in 1900, the Fens created a space for recreation as well as an area to act as a flood barrier, protecting the city. The natural feeling of the Fens is accomplished through the strategic planning of greenery, as well as the through the winding river that runs through the park. The park however, at times, feels like a barrier. The space that was analyzed was a portion of the park with football and basketball courts (shown in the photo below). 

The Barrier feeling begins on the north with the island that seperates the two streets. The smaller street is primarily used by residents, while the wider street that runs parallel is used by heavier traffic. A line of of trees line the island and boarders both the north and south sides of the park. Elevation differences also create a barrier. On the southern side, a large hill seperates the road from the river. On the northern side there is a small hill leading to the road above. 

Copley Square

Copley square was created in 1858 from the filling of the Back Bay. The square is surrounded by Boylston St to the north, Clarendon Street on the East, St James St on the south, and Dartmouth St on the West. The area of study for this was a portion of St. James between the Trinity Church and the John Hancock tower. The space of study flowed freely to the east and west, with an intersection of Clarendon St to the east. Trinty place runs adjacent to St. James St, bounding the space on the west side. Trinity Church lines the space on the north side, and the John Hancock tower to the south. 

The space has an extremely busy feel. Cars and pedestrians constantly flow in and out of the space. The outlets on the east and west sides provides both exits and access points into the space, adding and subtracting to the flow of every day traffic. Trinity church and the Hancock Tower frames certain views east to downtown Boston and west to the Prudential complex. Shadows from the Hancock tower often dwarf the space, but provides comfort to the square below at certain times during the day.