The concept of adaptive reuse is what initially drew me to pursue my Masters in Urban Planning. While one aspect of it may draw people to the architectural field, I am more interested in the concept of using adaptive reuse methods as a tool for community and economic development and sustainability. For my first semester in my Masters program, I had to do a focus study on an aspect of urban planning that interested me. This study would need to include articles, advocacy, policies, and journal articles regarding the topic. Each student then needed to put together an entire portfolio of all of these readings, present a synopsis poster on the topic, and write a reflection/literary review paper. Instead of doing a portfolio, I requested the ability to put together a website. For me a website made more sense as it would easier to search and find as well as offer more flexibility for organization than a binder.

After the course was complete, I decided that I had a lot of material that lent itself to a more complete, open website. So I developed AdaptiveReuse.info. The site focuses on case studies of successful adaptive reuse projects. It also is a portal to news, advocacy, policies, and criticisms/issues regarding the field. I’ve also put together a “book club” of literary on the topic.

The site uses WordPress for content management and is adapted from the Full Screen design template by Graph Paper Press.

The Green Element was developed as a method to not only aggregate articles and links regarding sustainability, but to provide scale to the topic. The articles are broken down into categories dependent on the level of impact the sustainability initiative pertains. The concept is to help individuals better understand at what level action can be taken. This portal also helps to further promote the topic of sustainability.

The site uses WordPress for content management and is based off of the Futurosity Smashing Magazine design template.

We have a lot of books, a lot. From all the literary top books and writing guides to architecture and web design, there’s just too many for the simple built-in bookshelf and IKEA shelves we had in the condo. The second bedroom (the White Room) is actually used as more of a study. Rather than simply buying more IKEA shelves like we did for the lounge, we decided a large built-in solution would be best.

To maximize space, I incorporated a secretary’s desk within the design. This allowed us to get rid of the huge glass desk I had and opened up the floor space when the desk is not in use.

I designed the piece, had contractors install it, and then we did the painting.

This project was developed during my “Green Urban Design and Placemaking” graduate course at Tufts University. The course centered around the US Green Building Council’s LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Program. This certification program expands the LEED requirements to ensure that a project considers its impact on the great neighborhood, not just the plot of land being (re)developed. Each group in the class was assigned one project site within Somerville, MA.

There were no cost limitations to the project. The only real requirement was that the design incorporate LEED-ND guidelines. The groups were also offered the chance to add to their development site by including surrounding parcels, however, this would need to be fully reasoned.

In the end, the project finished with a design that would afford a Gold Certification. The proposed development optimized the location to the future Green Line T Station in Gilman Square as well as provided the opportunity to revitalize the neighborhood.

Current Conditions

• Four parcels
• 1.1 acres
• Old abandoned warehouse
• Gas station
• Three loading docks
• Parking lot
• Historically significant
• Unfavorable to pedestrians
• Abuts commuter rail line
• Close to City Hall & High School
• Poor structural state of building

Project Goals

• Restore Gilman Square
• Incorporate sustainable design
• Inspire and teach
• Foster community connections
• Optimize transit-oriented site
• Provided needed services

Design Principles

• Integrate site design with existing neighborhood fabric
• Enhance transit corridor
• Encourage travel by foot / support a car-free lifestyle
• Incorporate green space
• Develop an identifiable neighborhood center
• Provide a “third place” for the neighborhood
• Confirm neighborhood completeness
• Encourage mix of uses
• Create a model for sustainability

LEED-ND Elements

• Infill project site
• Located next to future Community Path (bike)
• Above-ground and garage bike parking
• Reduced heat island (underground garage)
• 10% of parking for carpool and Zipcar
• Widened sidewalks to 20 feet
• Store entrances set apart only 55 feet
• Large percentage of windows on first floor
• Shade from trees on sidewalk every 40 feet
• Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) is 3.1
• New park of 1/5 acre
• Trombe/thermal wall on south side
• Optimized natural daylighting via cross-atrium
• Energy-efficient lighting
• Electrochomic windows
• Rain barrels to retain 90% of stormwater
• PV-panel covered roof