Phase I of Analysis
Urban Scale
The Christian Science Church today has a very prominent presence in Boston. However, it was not always this way. The Church- originally called The Mother Church- was quite small and surrounded by buildings on all three of its sides. While its interesting facade may have grabbed a viewer’s attention in the early 1900s, the space did not have an urban presence. In the 1970s I.M. Pei and Partners began to build a new surrounding in attempt to not only affect the Church but also to allow clarity of direction for people at a larger scale.
With the demolishment and modification of several buildings around the area, new opportunities for successful landscaping was made. Now, someone from Massachusetts Ave. can get a view of the Church as well as the important high-rise buildings in the background. Large connections were also possible with some of the denser buildings gone. A clear path from and to the Charles and Back Bay Fens as well as a direction toward the Prudential and further up, toward Copley Square. It is interesting to note how all three of these connections bring man to both water and greenery. It would seem as if reaching beautiful, open spaces was not difficult even in this dense city.
Phase II of Analysis
Building Scale
What has become clear to me is that a large amount of attention was given to the way this space would be lit at night. I would argue that this is firstly to provide a feeling of security, since it is a very massive space and if it remained dark it could be daunting, and secondly a well lit public space is an important part of a city’s night life. People are easily walking this way as they return home from work or shopping or exploring the area. Aside from its function, the lighting quality that was designed has created a beautiful ambiance. Its repetitive nature that is also reflected in the water becomes a path for the visitor, and its yellow/orange glow softens the concrete structure. The dome and other parts of the Church are also alight and this, likewise, is reflected in the pool. A plaza that is just as miraculous in the daytime as it is in the night time is a rare phenomenon, and it is the case here.
