Carter School Project

This August, the Master of Architecture program at Massachusetts College of Art and Design completed the first installment of its community design build program. The project was to design and construct an outdoor shelter for students at the William E. Carter School in Boston's historic South End neighborhood. As a requirement of the program, it represents our practical commitment to educate students who can inform their design with real fabrication capabilities. Our graduate architecture program also aims to tackle issues of sustainability and social responsibility, with a faculty who have a strong interest in the collaborative possibilities that a community partner design-build program offers.

The Carter School provides educational and rehabilitation services for severely mentally and physically disabled students. Students range in age from 10-22 years of age, with a current student body of approximately 25 students.

The project revolves around the moving of students between the buses that transport them to the school, and the entry to the school. This area was previously uncovered, leaving students and staff exposed to the elements during the often lengthy process of bus loading and unloading.

Colorful, translucent panels provide shelter for students from the elements, while providing a stimulating and active transitional space. Storm water is diverted from gutters into interactive water features and rain gardens, providing an opportunity for students and staff to interact with the structure, while responsibly dealing with the issue of storm water runoff.

As the next generation of architects, we intend our graduates to emerge with the skills, curiosity, social commitment and compassion to make a positive difference in the world. We believe that this project is a strong first step in that process, and one that we look forward to repeating in each future summer.

For more information on our architecture programs, please contact Patricia Seitz.

pseitz@massart.edu   (617) 879-7669