Reflecting back upon the site study I completed this week, shape was initially influenced on immediate contextual surroundings. On Parcel 13 I am drawn to connect the old MBTA entrance with the BAC studio space in the old ICA building. After constructing a nolli plan I feel I need to revisit the massing of the site and reflect a larger context of the way blocks are formed in the neighborhood. I think the central void could, similar to the city blocks in the Back Bay, create additional gathering space for students of different arts to converge and collaborate. In addition to the nolli map, Somol's "12 Reasons to Get back into Shape" defines shape as Boyant, among other things. I think that buoyancy could be particularly interesting on the Parcel 13 site because the buildings are "floating" above the Mass Pike. I have not yet resolved how to incorporate this.
Christine, you really summed up the shape issues of Parcel 13 well. I think it is a particular challenge and advantage that the site itself is suspended over the roadway. It allows the "shape" to be viewed from many angles, the most usual of which is the "from below" view that is (can be) neglected in most building design. Your nolli map reminds me of an recent project that threats urban fabric strictly as shape. I will post a link.
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