91ºÚÁÏÍø

The Alley Arbors provide raised refuge for pedestrians in case of flooding along downtown Boston shoreline. This high-density area is chiefly made up of mid-rise, mixed-use buildings and has significant stormwater and coastal flood risk, with increasing risk projected for the future. Back alleys between buildings are narrow and depressing, they vary between 22’ and 32’ wide.
The project proposes to create shared spaces across the narrow alleys, connecting buildings at the 3rd or 4th levels using cross-laminated timber (CLT). CLT is lightweight, biophilic, has good spanning capability, and, being prefabricated, is relatively simple to erect. These CLT bridges also access street level, giving pedestrians an escape from flooding streets. In normal conditions they are shared parks, providing a place to relax, commute on foot, and commune with the neighborhood.
The Alley Arbors are placed at the head of alleys, close to the main road, and oriented to take advantage of open views and daylight to the greatest extent.
There are two types of Alley Arbors, providing verdant shared space. In the first type, for narrower lanes under 25’, the bridges would be outdoor open space with natural plantings and ramps to negotiate height differences between connected floors. Green gardens collect rainwater to use in grey water systems of adjacent buildings. The use of adaptive native plants requires low maintenance. These accessible open spaces act as a respite in a high-density urban area, creating usable space for intimate community gatherings and cultural events.
The second type, for wider lanes, gives the possibility of borrowing floor space from adjacent buildings to include a community cafe. The street side can be opened in good weather with folding glazed walls. Power and shade come from a photovoltaic paneled roof over the cafe. Operable high windows promote natural ventilation. The southwest facade filters daylight through a planting wall incorporated into a wood slat shade system.
This sustainable solution to flood hazards gives the community the ability to gather, unplug, and recharge in these Alley Arbors, open to everyone, in all weather conditions.