and linkage to the Harborwalk , the Public Green enhances the site ’ s existing urban-water relationship . The design for the Green takes advantage of the site ’ s unique context . A result of land fill and past industrial use , the former parking lot was flat . The design team learned that even a few feet of elevation change would enable a dramatic , threedimensional view of the harbor and capitalize on views to the surrounding city . Gently stepping granite bands stretch across the lawn , creating a slight topographical change that invites pedestrian movement towards the boardwalk . Entering the Green from Northern Avenue now elevates pedestrians onto the lawn expanse , which visually opens the site to the water .
Fan Pier Park was also designed to capitalize on views to the Boston waterfront . Gently angled terraces adjacent to the lawn are positioned to celebrate the waterfront ‘ theater ’ of the Harborwalk and active , working harbor . The orientation of each terrace frames a slightly different view of Downtown Boston and its harbor . At an early point in the design process , the heights of the lawn ridge and top terrace were selected by inviting the client to climb a ladder on-site to fully appreciate the elevating of the site ’ s flat topography . The height was then capped at an elevation that allows viewers from the café ’ s edge to experience the harbor from a seated position . Trees were strategically located to provide shade and enclosure but still preserve open sightlines . From the Harborwalk edge , panoramic views include the downtown skyline , East Boston , the active harbor , the future marina , and the Boston Harbor Islands beyond .
Consistency of Materials
The Fan Pier streetscape that RBA developed unifies the district and creates a coordinated network of neighborhood roads by weaving park spaces and diverse new buildings together . RBA designed the visual identity of the Fan Pier neighborhood streetscape with three major components in mind : ground plane , canopy trees , and furnishings . The streetscape master plan calls for sidewalks that feature a “ Continuity Strip ” of concrete pavers bound with flush granite bands , and this strip provides a legible furnishings zone for bike racks , lights , and benches . Beneath this paving , a drip-irrigated structural-soil volume creates optimum growing conditions for street tree plantings . Overall , the composition of street trees , sidewalks , and highquality furnishings was established as a cohesive
design theme , and this design creates spatial unity for all streets and establishes a visual identity for the entire neighborhood .
Richard Burck Associates utilized custom furnishings to further characterize the site ’ s unique context . The firm developed custom railings and two distinct bench types to visually unify the development , both as an individual unit and with the surrounding area . The Wind Bench is the most prevalent custom feature at the Fan Pier streetscape . Located in each of the parks and along Fan Pier Boulevard and Marina Park Drive , the Wind Bench is a high-back seat made from ipe slats and stainless steel framing . The bench responds to the Harborfront setting with the high backs acting as small windbreaks , carving out intimately-scaled pockets of shelter on a windy day .
At Fan Pier Park ’ s Tidal Well , other site-responsive custom furnishings are featured . RBA developed
Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook
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