Boston Properties has begun building an apartment tower that will become Cambridge's tallest building even as the region faces a construction slowdown.
The project is part of a $1.2B redevelopment and partnership with Eversource that will include not only the residential tower but also two life sciences buildings and an underground substation, the Boston Business Journal reported.
The 16-story life sciences buildings at 290 and 300 Binney St. total 810K SF and are 100% pre-leased to AstraZeneca and the Broad Institute. In November, BXP sold a 45% stake in the life sciences buildings to Norges Bank Investment Management in a deal that values them at $1.7B.
While fully remote work has declined from its pandemic high, millions of Americans are still working where they live and vice-versa. So, how does this affect the strategies and designs for new product?
Today, it’s an open secret that all new multifamily developments incorporate, in some form or another, a remote work-focused arrangement. In fact, some developers in space-starved markets where it is not possible to build large common areas have gone as far as including dedicated glass-paneled office spaces within units themselves.
As developers contemplate office-to-multifamily conversions in markets, architects are presented with unique design opportunities. These include the design of larger, multifunctional units and the incorporation of dedicated studies within the apartment design. This approach not only optimizes the use of space but also enhances the overall architectural design, making each unit more functional and aesthetically pleasing.
“If you are working with some of these older buildings, there are these extra pockets of space that give you the opportunity to incorporate a study type space or something else that could be used to work from home,” explained Michael Hensley, a principal at Pickard Chilton.
When designing each building, our team remains involved throughout the design process, committed to finding solutions that not only meet the needs of our clients but also contribute positively to the environment and the larger community. Our aim is to craft a seamless experience, from the skyline to the smallest details, such as a doorknob. The incorporation of texture is no exception to this holistic approach; whether manifested in the facade design, the silhouette of the building, or the carefully selected materials, texture takes a multifaceted role in our designs. This exploration underscores its dual significance—functionality and the creation of a sense of belonging within the community.
This Hard Hat tour explores the 36-story high-rise office complex design, which consists of three buildings: a two-story pavilion acting as the front porch to Public Square, a 36-floor office tower, and an attached multi-level parking garage.
For the past three years, Pickard Chilton has been attending Grace Farm's Design for Freedom Summit. This is a growing movement in the architectural community and beyond to eliminate forced labor and increase transparency and sustainability in the supply chain.
Below Pickard Chilton associate, Deep Chaniara, shares his thoughts on this year's summit.
The Pickard Chilton Travel Fellowship, awarded to individuals demonstrating exceptional promise in architectural exploration and research, provided Owen Marhefka, Pickard Chilton associate, with a unique opportunity to delve into the evolving landscape of co-working environments. With a profound interest in the convergence of architecture and modern workplace trends, Owen set out to examine the intricacies of co-working spaces across prominent cities. Through meticulous observation and analysis, Owen's exploration aimed to uncover insights into the innovative architectural features and client-centric approaches that define these dynamic work environments.