Things I Can't Live Without: Approach To Program

PROGRAM

The building ruins on the site are that of an old pump house for what used to be the Fisher Hill Reservoir. The abandoned structure is small in size while the overgrown landscape surrounding it is rectangular in plan and much larger with a clear visual slope running inward upon itself, this being the remnants of the reservoir. Fisher Hill is part of the historic district in Brookline and has a strong architecture presence through residential buildings. Buildings in the area are picturesque with tree-lined streets. Frederick Law Olmsted was hired to develop a plan for laying out the roads and establishing minimum lot sizes. Few public buildings exist adjacent to this area. This thesis purposes just that. Amongst the historic and more current residential properties, a public retreat is gifted to the community. Farther down Fisher Hill road sits Newbury College, with this noted the thesis proposes a program that can support a scholastic factor, where students studying at the college can be comfortable traveling to the site to expand their knowledge. The pump house being smaller in scale the balance of the intervention should be modest too, so as not to disrespect the community and the historic scale preserved. Parks nearby within them hold specific functions such as playgrounds and athletic fields. These functions attract the younger members of the community, and the green spaces that address all ages are less frequent. The Brookline Reservoir has a park wrapping around its perimeter for walkers and bicycles. A connection could be proposed between the two reservoirs and the landscape adjoining them.

Program Criteria:

*This thesis is about the discovery of the new materials juxtaposed with the old to create a balance. Through the program tactile exploration will unveil the material degradation and how the intervention has supported the materials but has also defined its own presence.

*Landscape will be stimulated through the interior of the program and draw visitors outdoors into the site granting them with clearer understandings of the contrast within by use of procession that flows through spaces of new and existing.

* The tectonics of the new intervention creates open spaces for gathering and allowing for feelings of enlightenment contrasted by the compressions characterized by the solids and groundedness applied by the technologies in the abandoned building.

Proposal:

Brookline’s Science/Nature Center at Fisher Hill

The nature center in Brookline is a welcoming building for people of all ages. Whether you have an interest in the local wildlife or just wish to talk about the park the center promotes discovery and growth. The building houses multiple exhibits ranging from water conservation awareness, to gardening “ how–to” The center features camps and programs for children and adults. The goals of the nature center are to encourage the community about how to protect and respect our surroundings, but to also teach and apply a visitor’s curiosity. The Nature center in Brookline houses a small aquarium containing fish and vegetation found within the nearby lakes and ponds. The center also has been equipped with a few classrooms/labs for college and school visits to attend lectures and participate in clinics. There is a close relationship between Newbury College and the Nature Center where students can use the on site library and labs to help answer questions and explore new areas of research. The Brookline Nature center invites visitors to stroll through on trials in the park for chances to reconnect with nature in the urban fabric or to catch a glimpse of the regional bird species.

Lobby-Reception- Coat check, Ticket sales, Information

250 sq. ft.

Gift Shop

100 sq. ft.

Staff Offices- Kitchen-Conference Room

1,300 sq. ft.

Classrooms- Labs (2): Larger spaces to assemble 8-10 people

1,000 sq. ft.

Multi-Purpose Room (1): dynamic- can be two smaller spaces with operable wall.

600 sq. ft.

Library

500 sq. ft.