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
Tags: homans building, redevelopment, sketchup, somerville, urban design, urban planning