Once the largest of its kind in the world, the Seaport World Trade Centre served as a busy trade platform and Port of Entry for immigrants into The Land of Milk and Honey.
Although, the Seaport building’s heyday is long gone, paradoxically, through many years the derelict structure has served as a backdrop to the lively activity along the Boston waterfront. Yet, to this day, it has remained a passive observer, a shadow of its former self.
Despite its neglect, the building’s quality as a testament to the passage of time and as an impressive architectonic achievement makes it highly suitable for transformation. It is a physical structure which already exists on the citizens’ mental map of their city. A place that has the potential to bridge the past with the present and anchor the development of the premises in a historical context. Using adaptive transformation is a sustainable means to both preserve and reactivate an important piece of Bostonian and American history.
The approach of adaptive transformation assesses the building’s heritage and structural qualities and is based on the belief that the most architectural significant statement is often made through what is left untouched or enhanced.
By 2024, the Seaport building and surrounding urban spaces will be revitalised as the Commonwealth Pier – a vibrant mixed-use destination, featuring modern flexible office spaces, exhibition and event venues, outward-facing amenities like cafés, restaurants, and shops. The development will also include a grand public plaza, green urban space, and an enriched harbour walk experience.
To ensure that the pier can be enjoyed by generations to come, the transformation of it incorporates advanced design strategies for resilience and sustainability. What was until recently considered a languishing relic of the past will see itself transformed to a future resilient and adaptable destination for the citizens of Boston.