Set in the Rose Kennedy Greenway, the pavilion is an anchored,
yet gauzy building providing spaces and formats for people to learn about
Boston and the Harbor Islands National Park. A facade of glass is wrapped with
a metal mesh, providing veiled transparency and a subtle glow. An aquatic-green
glass band wraps the building, reflecting and reminding one of the marine life between
the mainland and the islands.
An anchoring concrete wall guides people to the walkup information
windows and the building entrance. As a marker and constant introduction to the
islands, the front glass facade holds back the mesh to display a map of the
Harbor Islands.
The pavilion reaches to the sidewalk on State Street to draw in
visitors as they pass. Walk-up information windows offer a chance to quickly
access information, while a glass entrance invites visitors into the bookstore
and cafe. An interior information desk welcomes
visitors seeking more in-depth information or a respite on a cold day. When the
building is not staffed, the facade of the information area becomes interactive
graphic panels.
The
mesh on the north facade rotates to open up to the park and creates a shaded dining
patio for the cafe. Patio paving breaks at the park path only to resume on the
opposite side, providing a meeting area for tour groups. The Harbor Islands
Stone Garden sits in the paved area across from the facade map. Together, these
elements define an outdoor room for large assembly.
The
pavilion is simple in form, with powerful, environmentally conscious and
aesthetically engaging materials. North facing roof monitors supply even
daylighting to an interior material palette that includes certified woods and recycled
materials.
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