The BSA is moving to a 17,000SF space in the recently completed Atlantic Wharf skyscraper. Located near the Greenway, public transit, and museums, the new space will provide more public exposure and three times the space of the current BSA headquarters. Höweler + Yoon's design creates a strong street presence and makes the exhibitions visible from the outside. BSA is planning to expand its programming in order to better serve both the public and its members, and expects to move in by November 2011.
AAO talked with Eric White, BSA Interim Co-Director, about reaching new audiences and building partnerships throughout the process of creating an architecture center. Images by Höweler + Yoon.
Katherine Stalker (AAO): What made the BSA decide to look for a new more public space, and how long has this idea been on the table? What influenced the decision to sell the former space and rent a larger space?
Eric White (BSA): For years, the BSA had tossed around the idea of a central space for events, exhibitions and chance interactions centered on architecture and design. The BSA currently hosts about 500 events and meetings every year, and at only 5,000 sf, our current location’s space restrictions have created logistical challenges. Our new venue at Atlantic Wharf will allow us to better serve our membership while expanding our reach to inspire and enlighten new audiences about the significance of design. This is an exciting opportunity for our organization.
KS: What are you hoping to accomplish with the new space and how does the design by
Höweler + Yoon facilitate the BSA’s mission?
EW: Boston needs a place to engage everyone involved in the built environment—architects, allied professionals and the general public—on a scale the BSA’s current space has strained to accommodate. Atlantic Wharf offers significant opportunities for the BSA to expand its reach, enhancing member services, creating new ways to engage the public and functioning as a forum for civic discussion about the built environment.
Höweler + Yoon are the perfect partner for this transition. What drew the panel to the winning scheme was the design’s ability to create a powerful architectural statement which reached beyond the building’s façade. Visually, it draws you into this two-story space, up a dynamic staircase and into the open, fluid interior.
KS: By choosing a location near public transit, museums, and the Greenway, the new space will provide exposure to a broader audience. Can you elaborate on how and why the BSA plans to expand its reach? Also, is the primary focus on engaging the local community, or will the new space cater to tourists interested in Boston’s architecture as well?
EW: We chose the location for just that reason, to engage a wider audience in the conversation about Boston architecture and design. It is in an exciting up and coming neighborhood.
We are planning a wide range of new programming that will include exhibits, social events, lectures, boat tours, walking tours and a concierge space welcoming visitors to the new arts and innovation district of the city.
The primary audience right now is our membership and the regional community, though tourists will certainly be welcome.
KS: What new partnerships has this move generated?
EW: It has opened up opportunities for our organization to collaborate more closely with current partners like the Boston Redevelopment Authority, Department of Environmental Protection, Boston By Foot, Boston Foundation for Architecture and Learning by Design. It has also brought in new opportunities to work with organizations like Friends of Fort Point Channel, Boston Tea Party Museum, The Children’s Museum, Fort Point Channel Artists Association and many others in this neighborhood. We are looking forward to serving as a welcoming point for this new neighborhood.
KS: Many of our AAO readers are involved with architecture centers or are in the process of creating one. Any advice for them?
EW: You can’t do it all yourself. Hire the right people.
