Spatial Transitions

Yurina Shirai

A community center uses a sloping roof, widening circulation, and a courtyard to connect residents.

PROJECT STATEMENT

This proposal explores spatial transitions, both in height and in width. The site is surrounded by three story apartments and wraps around a one-story house. To accommodate these various elevations, the roof slopes upwards from Everett Street to Cottage Street. In doing so, the roof serves as a visual indicator of the transition within the building from a two story building to a three story building.

The building itself is a community center, intended to provide a space for residents to connect, as East Boston has historically been an area inhabited by immigrants from different parts of the world. Both the first and second floor feature a common area for people to gather, and there is an additional enclosed courtyard in the back of the site. Narrow hallways expand into these common areas, guiding visitors from the street into this open, communal space. The perimeter of the common area is lined with glass floor-to-ceiling windows, framing the view of the courtyard outside.

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Perspective model of Yurina Shirai’s Spatial Transitions, showing white walls, a sloping timber roof and a tree beside the open courtyard.
Isometric drawing of Spatial Transitions, showing the angled building form and sloping roof.
Lower-level floor plan of Spatial Transitions, showing circulation widening toward the courtyard.
Upper-level floor plan of Spatial Transitions, showing the angled circulation route and adjoining spaces.
Oblique exterior elevation of the Spatial Transitions model, showing white walls with scattered window openings.
Long elevation of the Spatial Transitions model, showing an angled facade beneath the sloping roof.
Alternate long elevation of Spatial Transitions, showing the rising roofline and varied window positions.
Overhead corner perspective of the Spatial Transitions model, showing exposed timber rafters and angled white walls.
Rear view of the Spatial Transitions model, showing the timber-framed opening beside a courtyard tree.
Rear elevation of the Spatial Transitions model, showing an open central timber structure between white walls.
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