Boston is
in the midst of one of its largest building booms throughout the
entire city. With this, Mayor Martin J. Walsh is encouraging
developers to create bolder and more innovative architecture for
projects to come in 2015. Recently, Walsh spoke to an audience at
the Boston Chamber of Commerce announcing that he wants to see
these new developments adding to the structural design of the city.
He stated, Boston can do better, calling the design merely
functional as some of the buildings have been described boxy and
bland despite Bostons historical factor.
Walsh is urging developers who are part of this boom to reach
beyond their comfort zone designing buildings that reflect Bostons
culture of innovation. His message certainly caught and kept the
attention of many developers. He hopes to see collaboration with
designers crafting plans that not only add to inventory but to the
skyline as well.
Boston is seeing these new luxury buildings being built and
although designing sleek and unique construction can be costly,
developers are willing to take that risk. In Boston, Cesar Pelli, a
renowned architect designed a bold glass tower for a local
investment groups project at One Congress adding an exceptional
design to the building.
The talent is here. Its been here, said Elizabeth Whittaker,
founder of Merge Architects. And more and more of it will stay here
if emerging architects begin to trust that they will be able to
engage in more contemporary work in the city. Whittaker has opened
the eyes to many developers with her recent designs such as the
Marginal Street Lofts in East Boston.
Tim Love, principal of Hub architecture firm Utile and president
of the Boston Society of Architects whose firm has completed
innovative projects recently in South Boston stated, We also need
to change some of the industry standards on floor-plate sizes,
elevator cores and corridors that constrict better design. He
suggested that the developing firms of these bigger projects hold
design competitions adding members to their team who will bring
edge and fresh ideas to the cities design.
The innovative design that Mayor Walsh is seeking is possible
here in the Hub. The plan to build beautiful 21st century
architecture is in progress as developers collaborate with
designers. Considering many developers do not have a background in
design, this collaboration will bring new ideas and strong vivid
designs to Bostons style.
Click here for more information: Boston Herald