Maximizing Natural Light in Public Spaces
Ben Morris
Thesis Statement:
Natural light in cities is scarce. This project aims to create a both indoor and outdoor space, that has an abundance of natural light, while preventing it from being too harsh.
Studies have shown that natural light improves mental health, and that naturally lit rooms have significantly improved concentration. This building will blend the natural space into part of the building. The interior of the building will include a library, cafe, indoor work spaces.
Site Research Analysis
Site area
Car Traffic
Foot Traffic
ICA
Sun Path Analysis
Building Strategy
Zoning and Massing:
Envelope:
v.s
Form:
Zoning Diagrams
Zoning in Context
Light Studies
Light Studies
Light Analysis
Conceptual Models
Elevation Drawings
South view
East View
Initial Renders
Light Maps
Final Renderings
Maximizing Light is a public space where people can go to get work done, spend time with friends, have meetings, and enjoy the library. This building existes to make use of what is currently a half green, half unused space in the Boston seaport. This building will actually increase the greenspace, while putting in an attraction to Bring more new people into the area.
The buildings goal is to create a fun and exciting outdoor space that maximizes natural light to improve mood. Studies have found that people are much more productive and focused when in a space lit with natural light, rather than artificial light. The building is positioned so that the largest faces of it were getting direct sunlight. Many light studies were done on how different perforated patterns and luivers affect light, as too much harsh light would be bad. Along with space restraints there were also vertical restraints, as the buildings around the sight have contracts that say that nothing can block their view of the water.