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Dana Hogstedt • Detailing




In developing a detail that would suport my general idea of a design for the Fens Park that accommodates every member of Boston's citizenry, I focused on the specific needs of the homeless population in the park. I re-designed an existing structure of the park to accommodate the multiplicity of uses inherent in a public park while specifically addressing the needs of the homeless. The piece of infrastructure that I chose to modify in developing this detail was a 1928 concrete bleacher adjacent to the track and ball fields. The bleacher is in disrepair and in need of structural rehabilitation.

To accomplish this while creating new spaces for use by the homeless I inserted a series of shear walls underneath the structure and perpendicular to the span of the steps of concrete. I thought of these walls as the structural support for the bleacher as well as a permanent and fixed element providing for the essential needs of the homeless.

These basic needs are defined as being potable water, a basin for washing, space for the collection of trash and recyclables, a raised area for sleeping and a place to lock up belongings. In this way the most essential portion of the bleacher, the structure, provides for the most essential needs of the homeless. While other elements may be added to the structure to accommodate additional needs, changes in seasons and uses, the essential needs of the homeless would always be included in the adaptation of any park structure.

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