Leah Hoehne's Capstone Book

Southern Pacific Brewery Victoria Brown Bar
1. Archuleta, Erin. “Southern Pacific Brewery.” Tablehopper. 1. Hitzig Militello Arquitectos. “Victoria Brown Bar.” Archinect

2005. Accessed October 1, 2016. http://www.tablehopper. Firms. 2013. Accessed October 8, 2016. http://archinect.com
com/hardhat/southern-pacific-brewing-company/. /firms/project/104784449/victria-brownbar/104868098.
2. Ibid. 2. Ibid.
3. “Interview: Southern Pacific Brewing Founder Chris Law 3. Ibid.
rence.” Interview by Joshua Lurie. Food GPS. February 7, 4. Ibid.
2013. Accessed September 29, 2016. http://foodgps.com/ 5. Ibid.
interview-southern-pacific-brewing-founder-chris-law 6. Ibid.
rence/. 7. Ibid
4. Mike Chino. “San Francisco’s Southern Pacific Brewing is a 8. Ibid.
Tree-Filled Beer Sanctuary in a Renovated Warehouse .” Inhabitat. Image Notes:
January 27, 2012. Accessed September 30, 2016. http://inhabitat. 1. Hitzig Militello Arquitectos. “Victoria Brown Bar.” Digital im
com/photos-san-franciscos-southern-pacific-brewing-is-a-tree-filled- age. Archinect. Accessed October 4, 2016. http://archinect.com/
beer-sanctuary-in-a-renovated-warehouse/ firms/project/104784449/victoria-brown-bar/104868098
5. Southern Pacific Brewery. ” 2. Ibid.
6. Southern Pacific Brewery.” 3. Ibid.
7. Interview: Southern Pacific Brewing Founder Chris Law 4. Ibid.
rence. ” 5. Ibid.
8. Southern Pacific Brewery. ” 6. Ibid.
9. Interview: Southern Pacific Brewing Founder Chris Law 7. Ibid
rence. ” 8. Ibid.
10. Interview: Southern Pacific Brewing Founder Chris Law
rence. ”
11. Interview: Southern Pacific Brewing Founder Chris Law
rence. ”
12. Interview: Southern Pacific Brewing Founder Chris Law
rence. ”

Image Notes: 48
1. “About Southern Pacific Brewery.” Digital image. Southern

Pacific Brewery. Accessed September 28, 2016. http://www.
southernpacificbrewing.com/
2. Eric Pietras. “Southern Pacific Brewery.” Digital im
age. East Bay Beer. August 4, 2013. http://www.eastbay
beer.com/2013/08/04/sf-photo-sunday-southern-pacific-brew
ing/
3. “Southern Pacific Brewery.” Boors Bridges Architecture.
Accessed September 30, 2016. http://www.boorbridges.com/
project/southern-pacific-brewing/
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.



4: ERGONOMICS

Image 3.

Image 1.

Image 2. Image 4.

FURNITURE, FINISHES AND EQUIPMENT Typical spacing and sizes for main functions can be
The objects that go into a restaurant design need seen in images 1. The finishes used on seating, tables
to meet the criteria to serve people of all ages and and floors especially must be able to endure high
physical abilities. The furniture, finishes and traffic and potential messes.1 Flooring should have
equipment chosen for the design must promote health, little tripping or slipping hazard, for drinks and food
safety and welfare for all people. Important functions are constantly being moved around and could cause
in restaurants that are heavily used by the public are accidents if dropped.
tables and booths, which must meet proper clearances,
sizes and materials which provide comfortable and
accessible seating arrangements.

Image 5. Image 7.

Image 6. Image 8.

ERGONOMICS 52

The ability to move through a space efficiently is Ergonomics deals with dimensions that
crucial for a good design. As a designer you are also promote safety amongst users, and
legally obligated to provide proper spacing, sizes environmental factors that help the human
and circulation in a public space like a restaurant. mind and body interact with space the best.
The human body and mind was studied to create Typical human body movements and sizes
numerous rules and regulations for how things like can be seen in image 6 and 8.
furniture or space should be designed to accommodate
the way they move and work.2

Image 11.

Image 9.

Image 10.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN MATERIALS

It is important to think about how a space can be made When choosing materials for an area which is
more sustainable when designing. By using materials susceptible to damage and spills, it is important to
which are renewable, do not exceed their natural rate or specify materials and furnishings which are designed
replenishment, and have little ecological damage, you to be easily cleaned. Sanitation is crucial in a
can help the environment greatly.3 Images 9 and 10 help restaurant, so materials should be able to withstand
illustrate the thought process that can be involved with a a lot and prevent bacteria growth. By choosing
sustainable design. One can also consider daylighting for appropriate finishes for seating, walls, flooring
natural interior lighting, or LED lighting when necessary. and more, you can prolong the time before needing
Shading can reduce heat gain.4 You can reduce energy to replace things due to damage or dirt.6 Nano-
for hot water with solar water heaters, use geothermal tex materials are designed specifically to prolong
mechanical systems with heat recovery ventilators, and a materials life, having options that are typically
use passive ventilation to create an even more sustainable waterproof and easily cleanable.
environment.5

Image 12.

Image 13.

ACOUSTIC CONTROL LIGHTING 54
Distance and time comprise the concept of sound. Lighting can be used for the performance
Sound is a crucial aspect to restaurant design of tasks, to enhance a space and to focus
because it can make or break a visitor’s comfort attention to certain areas. Image 13
level. A restaurant has a moderate sound level of illustrates the way lighting can be used to
about 60 decibels.7 To control the noise of everything illuminate certain amounts of spaces and
happening in the space, from kitchen machinery, angles. When choosing lighting you should
ventilation and people, you can use certain materials consider the color, size, efficiency, life and
which absorb sound. The higher a materials noise maintenance.10 Lighting can bring life to a
reduction coefficient level, the more sound it absorbs, space when used properly. Switches, diming
which can be seen in image 12.8 Ceilings are and light schedules can all be used to bring
typically the best place to use soft, porous materials the most out of your spaces light sources at
which absorb a lot of sound, because they get no each time of the day.11
traffic and are less susceptible to damage.9

Image 14. Image 16.

SIGNAGE DIAGRAM Image 15. Image 17.

VISUAL CONTROL WAYFINDING AND STORAGE

The human eye notices control over chaos in When people find themselves in a new environment it is crucial that
space- in fact, 90 percent of what we obtain they are able to naturally orient themselves. Designers can do this
comes from sight.12 By properly manipulating by providing consistent signage throughout the space, or mapping
surfaces, light and form we can transform out elements in cognitive diagrams.15 Image 17 shows ways that
interiors into an understandable space. space can be identified and remembered easiest by the human mind.
Images 14 and 16 depict proportion and By relating these ideas in your design you can help people find their
perspective. Mirrors allow space to seem way and remeber their placement easiest. Restaurants are typically
larger, and light can make space expand and laid out in similar manners, so finding your way around may not be
look more open.13 Dark interiors may feel extremely difficult, but still people will look for diagrams and words
more intimate because everything seems addressing where certain functions are. Changes in color, texture,
smaller. Certain forms can provide scale lighting, ceiling and furniture arrangement will also help people
and proportion, but if done wrong it may feel recognize a change in space and environment, showing them they
unappealing or confusing to inhabitants.13 are going into a new territory.16

Image 20.

Image 18. Image 19.

Image 21.

SECURITY UNIVERSAL DESIGN
When designing a restaurant one must To ensure that a design meets all criteria and can
establish goals, collect data and develop be accessible for all types of people, a designer
security strategies to ensure the safest should follow universal design codes. If all
environment possible.17 By knowing what clearances don’t allow people of all age, size and
is most precious and may need protection, circumstance to enter and maneuver around a
you can avoid chaos. Designers can provide space efficiently, the design could be subject to
adequate lighting, and use water features, fine. Some typical clearance sizes are shown in
benches, planters, etc. as barriers for image 19. A designer should strive to create a
defensible spaces.18 By understanding past place where all people can feel comfortable and
events, one can learn how to better secure a enjoy alike. By following universal design you
space.19 can ensure the space is accommodating everyone
equally.
56

Notes: Image Notes:
1. McGowan, Maryrose, and Kelsey Kruse. Interior Graphic 1. McGowan, Maryrose, and Kelsey Kruse. Interior Graphic

Standards. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2003. 424. Standards. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2003. 588.
2. Ibid. 46. 2. Ibid. 424.
3. Ibid. 109. 3. Ibid. 588.
4. Ibid. 411. 4. Ibid. 424.
5. Ibid. 411. 5. Ibid. 588.
6. Ibid. 588. 6. Ibid. 586.
7. Ibid. 60. 7. Ibid. 589.
8. Ibid. 60. 8. Ibid. 586.
9. Ibid. 61. 9. Ibid. 112.
10. Ibid. 67. 10. Ibid. 109.
11. Ibid. 67. 11. Ibid. 61.
12. Ibid. 46. 12. Ibid. 61.
13. Ibid. 46. 13. Ibid. 71.
14. Ibid. 46. 14. Ibid. 46.
15. Ibid. 33. 15. “Communication and Signage Systems.” Digital image. SSS
16. Ibid. 33.
17. Ibid. 100. Siedle. Accessed October 18, 2016. http://pdf.archiexpo.com/
18. Ibid. 100. pdf/sss-siedle/outside-inside-communication-signage-sys
19. Ibid. 100. tem-2009/11224-42584.html
16. Ibid. 46.
17. Ibid. 33.
18. Ibid. 585.
19. Ibid. 589.
20. Ibid. 589.
21. Ibid. 589.
22. “INASLA Holiday Party.” Digital image. American Society of
Landscape Architects.
Accessed October 16, 2016. http://inasla.org/meetinginfo.
php?id=138&ts=1384546351





Image 1.

5: TOPICAL EXPLORATIONS

HUMAN BEHAVIOR
People go to restaurants not only to eat, but to
communication, discuss business negotiations,
celebrate milestones, holidays and other social
activities. A restaurant holds all the responsibility
that a houses’ dining room, living room and even
courtyard might.
Restaurant owners and designers emphasize the
necessity to analyze target customers by considering
their preferences, habits and communication styles
before creating places which attract and stimulate
these people. A combination of senses work as a
single unit to deliver a comprehensive perception of
space which provoke feelings.1
Designers must ask themselves a few questions
before designing a restaurant: What apart from
food keeps customers coming back and leaves them
with a memorable and strong impression?2 Co-
author of Successful Restaurant Design, Baraban,
notes “Environment affects people’s attitudes and
behavior. The design scheme influences…how long
they linger over a meal, how comfortable they feel,
what they remember about the restaurant and even
whether or not they want to return.”3
Adding a fireplaces could make the environment
even more like a living room, conveying a cozy,
intimate and home-like atmosphere.4 Successful
sensory design can give customers a memorable
experience which enhances their sensory
perceptions, stimulates consumption and convinces
them to return.5

Image 2.

Image 3. Vakst Nordic Restaurant



Image 4. Vakst Nordic Restaurant Sight typically plays the most important and dominate
sense in interior design. Designers pay most attention
to color, formation, materials and lighting to create a
certain atmosphere. Sight affects people physically and
psychologically.6 Ornament used can identify space,
carry social and cultural functions and give identity to
the space.7 Applying sunlight to a place where people
stay a long time will ensure comfort and activity, giving
life and profit to restaurants.
High-intensity artificial lighting can induce stress and
increase metabolic activity. Humans can adapt to high
levels of outdoor sunlight without difficulty though.8
Lack of sunlight slows down work efficiency and
induces illness, so the use of natural daylighting can
benefit a restaurant in numerous ways. Nature often
increases people’s morale’s. In one study, employees
working in environments with natural elements
reported 13 percent higher wellbeing and were 8
percent more productive.9 Viewing or being close with
natural elements improves concentration, memory
retention, and reduces stress and heart rates.10 Image
4 shows a restaurant which incorporates tremendous
natural elements and natural light, creating a bright
and visually stimulating design sure to capture the
attention of all visitors.
People are often driven to complex architecture, which
could be larger and irregular shaped spaces which
subdivide by architectural elements, furnishings and
plants. The places spatial geometry and layout can
bring visitors a sense of mystery and discovery which
carries them throughout the space subconsciously.11
Spatial dimension often depends on the culture and

64emotion in which the function wants to accommodate.

COLOR IN RESTAURANT DESIGN Black provides a sense of
Red promotes excitement sophistication that works great
and passion, which can be with any food concept. It also
extremely desirable for a fun gives a night –time feel, which
and lively restaurant and typically is associated with
bar scene. Red also induces relaxed and happy feelings.
hunger, which makes it an
excellent option for restaurant Brown is a great color to
design color schemes. use with a meat based
menu. Brown gives space
Orange, like red, induces a comfortable, inviting
hunger and could make and wholesome feel.
for an upbeat and happy
restaurant design. White can often give a space
a clinical or hospitality feel.
Restaurants thrive to promote
relaxation and comfort so
white is typically only used as
a contrast color.

Yellow provides space Image 5. Blue in food is typically not a
with a fresh, bright and good sign and therefore may be
warm outlook. If you want difficult to use in a restaurant
a bright and welcoming design. When using blue you
restaurant yellow can must be sure it is well balanced
greatly enhance a design. and not overpowering.

Green induces thirst so
would be great to use in a
bar scene.

Image 6.

The psychology of color and its relation to persuasion It is the feeling, mood and image that the interior creates
is very controversial, for it often relates to personal that persuades the consumer of something. One must
preference, experiences, culture, upbringing and recognize that color must match the companies brand
context.12 This makes studies on color and how it affects effectively, and that is when it can have a positive impact
human behavior nearly impossible to prove. Color on the design. Brand, function and color are all equally
plays a tremendously important role in a company important and must be thought of regularly together.
and its branding. In a study called Impact of Color in When used correctly, colors in restaurants can bring
Marketing, researchers found that up to 90 percent of people to order quickly and leave, relax and enjoy
people made quick judgments on products based on the a meal comfortably or even spend more money.16 If
color alone.13 Color should evoke the nature, personality used carefully and skillfully it can influence mood and
and intent of the company it is associated with. This behavior. The restaurant should understand its intent
typically is done when company predicts consumer’s for customers before designers decide on a color pallet
reactions to the color appropriateness in relation to the because this could influence what is or isn’t appropriate
place.14 Certain colors tend to align with specific traits,
like brown with ruggedness, purple with sophistication 66in regards to the product, company and concept of the
and red with excitement.15
design.

Image 7. Image 8.

The five senses humans hold allow us to make decisions
and form opinions. In a restaurant, it is a chef ’s
job to ensure that the food has good taste, while it
is a designer’s job to ensure that the consumers are
experiencing pleasant sight. Color proves to have
great effect on an environments aesthetic and it can
easily alter a person’s mood or behavior.17 A full range
of psychological and emotional effects can be achieved
through use of color, whether it be on painted walls, floor
coverings, ceiling elements, upholstered furniture, art or
other ornamentation or form.18

Image 12.

Image 9. Image 10. Image 11.
Image 13.
Perception of size, appearance and aesthetic is often
related to color.19 For example, certain colors can make
a space seem larger or smaller than it actually is. Some
colors may make the space seem warm or cold. Some are
stimulating, while others relaxing. Colors or patterns
that don’t work together may cause certain brains to feel
irritated or aggravated, creating an unsettling visual
reaction.20
It is crucial that the intent of the company and design
accurately correlates with the colors chosen for the space.
It can greatly impact people’s perception and opinions,
which can decide the fate of the company’s success.



Image 14. WHAT SPARKS CONVERSATION
One of the main reasons people go out to restaurants, bars and brewery’s is
to socialize with their friends or families in a new setting. Anyone can eat
at home, but going out allows people to get a change of menu and scenery.
People sometimes even have a more meaningful conversation when in a
setting that promotes socializing and interaction. Restaurants take on this
responsibility to encourage people of all ages to feel comfortable enough
to relax and enjoy their company in an unfamiliar space. To figure out
what it is about interior space that promotes interaction, I researched how
sociological human needs corresponds with comfort and conversation.
Mental and physical stimuli affect behavioral responses. People’s perception
of their environment influences their social interactions. “People respond to
their environment based upon perception, cognition and spatial behavior.”14
Privacy levels differ based on the function of the space, for example, people
in an office setting may want more privacy then people going out for drinks
who are looking to conversation. By defining an individual or groups
interaction level, you can determine the level of privacy needed.15 Privacy
in an interior design aspect, is defined by distances between forms, spaces
and people. They are categorized as intimate, personal, social and public.16
The more intimate a space, the more people resist intrusion. By accurately
defining territory, you can provide a sense of security and identity to a
space where personal communication is involved.17 Crowding occurs
when personal space and territoriality function ineffectively. This can be
desirable in some functions, but could cause uncomfortable situations in a
restaurant and brewery setting.

70

Image 15.

People respond differently when confronted with experiences which fall into three categories: sociological,
psychological and physiological, which are all influenced by environment.18 Sociological determinants relate to the
social needs of the people, including group dynamics and communication. Group dynamics are influenced by the
individuals, what they are doing, and the physical setting. The layout of a group dynamic setting are functions of
environment, personality and task.19 Appropriate distances between groups is important to maintain successful
communication and social relationships.
Studies show that people prefer to sit across form one another when conversing, unless the noise level is high in the
space, in which case they would sit directly next to one another.20 The ratio of interior square footage and occupants
also influences conversational distance.21

Image 16. Image 17.

Psychological determinants have to do with visual privacy, acoustic privacy and aesthetics.22 These aspects can
provide a sense of well-being in an environment. People generally do not want to be in a location where they can
be seen but not see. This is why seats against the wall of a restaurant are typically the most desirable. People
want to be able to visually see everything going on around them. An appropriate acoustic system will promote
speech privacy and make for more comfortable conversation, social interaction and productivity.23
The ultimate goal of a restaurant and brewery is for people to enjoy their time and rave about it. Nothing brings
restaurants more advertisement then people themselves. Their memorable social experiences are the most
important part of a business and its success. The interior design of it can give the space appeal that enhances the
physical and psychological experience of its customers.

72

Notes: Yu, Xue. Sensory Study in Restaurant Interior Design. Master's thesis, Iowa State University, 2009. Accessed October 20, 2016. http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/
1. viewcontent.cgi?article=2151&context=etd. 1.
2. Ibid. 1.
3. Ibid. 17.
4. Ibid. 27.
5. Ibid. 10.
6. Ibid. 3.
7. Ibid. 3.
8. Ibid. 4.
9. "Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Interior Design." Interiors and Sources. May 2, 2015. Accessed October 19, 2016. http://www.interiorsandsources.
10. com/is-interior-design-blog/entryid/326/emotional-and-behavioral-responses-to-interior-design-part-2.aspx.
11. Ibid.
12. “Sensory Study in Restaurant Interior Design. 7.
13. Ciotti, Gregory. "Color Pyschology: How Color Influenced the Mind." Pyschology Today, August 20, 2014. Accessed October 25, 2016. https://www.psychologyto
14. day.com/blog/habits-not-hacks/201408/color-psychology-how-colors-influence-the-mind.
15. Ibid.
16. Ibid.
17. Ibid.
18. Ibid.
19. Better Vision. "Why Good Vision Is so Important." Zeiss. February 12, 2012. Accessed October 25, 2016. http://www.zeiss.com/vision-care/en_us/better-vision/
20. understanding-vision/health-and-prevention/why-good-vision-is-so-important.html.
"Human Behavior and the Interior Environment." 2012. Accessed October 26, 2016. https://alaskaindigenous.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/human-behav
ior-and-the-interior-environment2.pdf.
Ibid.
Ibid.

Image Notes:
1. Sweeney, Katie. “Chambers Eat and Drink.” Digital image. Haute Living. September 9, 2004. http://hauteliving.com/2014/09/best-restaurants-late-night-eats-

san-francisco/521752/.
2. “The Pub- Beer and Burger Restaurant.” Digital image. Pintrest. Accessed November 14, 2016. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/413416440764829506/.
3. Tonnesen, Chris. “Genbyg Creates Indoor Garden from Recycled Materials for Vakst Nordic Restaurant.” Digital image. Dezeen. May 21, 2016. https://www.

dezeen.com/2016/05/21/genbyg-restaurant-indoor-garden-greenhouse-recycled-materials-vakst-nordic-interior-copenhagen/.
4. Ibid.
5. “Color Theory.” Digital image. Oyunve Kitchen Design. September 14, 2016. http://oyunve.com/13976/color-wheel-paint/.
6. Baum, Adelle. “Personalized Room with Orange Door Trims.” Digital image. Cool Furn. March 30, 2016. http://coolfurn.info/wonderful-unique-office-de

sign-representing-elegant-design-of-a-room/personalized-room-with-orange-door-trims/.
7. “Top 30 Restaurant Interior Design Color Schemes.” Digital image. Coveted Magazine. January 12, 2016. http://covetedition.com/inspirations/top-30-restau

rant-interior-design-color-schemes/.
8. Ibid.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. Ibid.
12. Ibid.
13. Ibid
14. “Conversation.” Digital image. Posts from the Path. Accessed November 2, 2016. Baum, Adelle. “Personalized Room with Orange Door Trims.” Digital image.

Cool Furn. March 30, 2016. http://coolfurn.info/wonderful-unique-office-design-representing-elegant-design-of-a-room/personalized-room-with-orange-door-
trims/.
15. Weiner, Allen. “Inside the Secret Supper Clubs of America.” Digital image. The Kernel. Accessed November 1, 2016. http://kernelmag.dailydot.com/issue-sec
tions/headline-story/10877/inside-the-secret-supper-clubs-of-america/.
16. “Playing It Cool in Sobe.” Digital image. Surfcomber. Accessed November 2, 2016. http://www.surfcomber.com/boutique-hotels-miami-beach-photos/.
17. Digital image. Chips Restaurant. 2013. http://chipsrestaurants.com/.
18. Frank Lee, Wonho. “Design Focused Japanese Restaurant in Los Angeles.” Digital image. Architectural Digest. May 5, 2016. http://www.architecturaldigest.
com/topic/restaurant-design.

Image 18. Roku Sunset in West Hollywood, CA

Image 1.

6: EXISTING SITE:
CONTEXT, CLIMATE & ZONING

Image 2. Boston Image 3. Downtown

CITY
Boston spreads across 48 square miles, with a population growing over 665,000.1 It is the largest city in New
England, and 24th largest in the country.2 Boston was established in 1630 by Puritan pioneers from England.
“Upon American freedom from Great Britain, the city kept on being an imperative port and manufacturing center
point and also for education and culture.”3
The numerous prestigious schools and colleges in the city make it a focal center of advanced education. Colleges
here contribute more than $4.8 billion every year to Boston’s economy.4 Economically, it is amongst the main 30
most monetarily powerful cities in the world, with the Greater Boston metropolitan range having the 6th biggest
economy in the nation.5 Its economy is founded on the education, health care, finance and technology industries. It
has one of the most costly expenses of living in the country but consistently stays high on world livability rankings.
Summers are typically hot and wet, while winters often have cold rain or snow with freezing temperatures.6

Image 4. Harvard Square

NEIGHBORHOOD
Boston is known as the “city of neighborhoods,” with 23 assigned neighborhoods.7 The desired location for this
restaurant brewery is on an old arsenal campus located in Watertown, a neighborhood directly on the Charles River.
This river separate’s Boston from Cambridge. Boston is a relatively compact city, making it rather easy to walk from
one neighborhood to another. The town occupies about 10 miles of waterfront access, allowing for continuous and
scenic bicycling and walking trails on both banks.
Cultural destinations like the Arsenal Center for the Arts give the neighborhood a safe atmosphere. It has good
school systems, international food offerings, coffee shops, and fresh grocers. The neighborhood has around 33,000
residents, with a workforce of 20,000.8 90 percent of the population have a high school degree, and approximately 52
percent have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.9

78

Image 5. Traffic Patterns Watertown Square regularly has bus services with direct
Image 6. Location on Campus access to Harvard Square, Bostons Financial District
Image 7. Building Height Analysis and Back Bay, which can all be reached in miniscule
amounts of time. It has excellent access to the MassPike,
US Routes 3 and 20, and is a 20 minute drive away from
Logan Airport.
The surrounding area, much like the rest of the city, is
rich in early American colonial history, as well as history
of the American Revolution. Boston can be noted for its
Federal style architecture, which is a combination of
Greek Revival, Colonial, Second Empire and Colonial
Revival styles.10
STREET
The campus of buildings is located off of Arsenal Street,
which is home to hotels, retail stores, malls and car
dealerships. The campus itself is made up of numerous
brick Federal Style buildings, all no higher than five
stories, depicted in image 7.11 The surrounding buildings
are today used as company offices and restaurants. There
is a historical feel to the location, having rich history
dating back to World War II times and earlier. The
buildings shells have only slightly been altered since
their construction dating back to as early as 1861 to fit
their new uses. Each are surrounded by rich amounts
of greenery, making for a comfortable and lively scene
during both the work day and evenings. The community
regularly brings in food trucks, lawn games and special
events.12 The surrounding companies strive to create fun
and healthy workplaces and vibrant cultural experiences
for visitors.

Image 8. Northwest View of Site Image 9. Architecture Styles



SITE ANALYSIS The back right of the building, which faces
The surrounding roads to the buildings southwest has the greatest views being
location are mostly two way streets. directly besides the river. The east side has
Because the building and its surrounding views of a large plot of grass which cannot
buildings are part of a campus, they have ever be built on due to the presence of a
a main shared entrance, which is off of nuclear reactor years ago. The presense
Arsenal Street, a busy and popular road. of the reactor is not harmful to life in
There are many opportunities for the use of the surrounding areas, but the soil will
public transportation, including shuttles to remain unsafe to build on. This promises
and from popular attractions. The location great views for years to come. The rest of
is known for its rails to trails. There is a the windows face the surrounding brick
bike path running along the river which is buildings which are all part of the campus.
a popular route for leisurely walks and bike
rides, and is also commonly used by people Snow is always an issue in Boston during
working in the surrounding areas. winter months, but shouldn’t cause too
much trouble as the roads will need to
consistently be plowed to accommodate all
the surrounding buildings. The suns path
need to be considered when designing the
interior. Existing windows high on each
façade allow mass amounts of sunlight
to seep in. There is not much negative
noise pollution in this part of Watertown,
which is now home to many up-and-coming
restaurants and businesses.

The landscape of the campus is one of the
biggest assets to the location. There are
immense amounts of greenery surrounding
the buildings, with excellent views of the
Charles River. It is a terrific walking
location, with many sidewalks and bike
racks, encouraging active and healthy
lifestyles.
82
Image 10. Site Plan

Image 11. Precipitation and Temperature Chart Image 12. Arsenal Campus Site Plan

SITE ZONING
The Campus is located within the Arsenal Overlay Development District (AODD) and must follow the Town of
Watertown Zoning Ordinance section 5.12.13 This sections intent is to “assist, promote and guide the orderly
conversion and redevelopment of former US Army Materials Technology Laboratory.”14 It promotes the preservation
of historic resources and character of the property and allows for appropriate economic revitalization without
burdening the surrounding neighborhood.15
This zoning gives great promise for a restaurant and brewery, which hopes to ultimately provide strong heritage and
site relations.
The zoning wants to expand retail, restaurant, cultural and other community amenity’s to the property to best serve
the AODD occupants.16 Permitted uses include commercial banks, offices, restaurants, health clubs, retail services,
industrial research developments, light manufacturing and assembly, as well as institutional museums, libraries,
theaters, day cares and aquariums.17

Image 13.

Image 14.

Notes: "Population of Boston 2016." Population 2016. January 7, 2016. Accessed November 6, 2016. http://population2016.com/popula
1. tion-of-boston-in-2016.html.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7. "Introduction to Boston, Massachusetts." City Town Information. 2005. Accessed November 6, 2016. http://www.citytowninfo.
8. com/places/massachusetts/boston.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. Acitelli, Tom. "Boston Architecture the Last 250 Years: Italianate to Shingles." Curbed Boston. November 11, 2015. Accessed
12. November 4, 2016. http://boston.curbed.com/2015/11/11/9901838/boston-architecture
13. "Introduction to Boston, Massachusetts." Ibid.
14. "Introduction to Boston, Massachusetts." Ibid.
15. Watertown Planning Board. "Watertown Zoning Ordinance." Town of Watertown Zoning Ordinance. June 14, 2016. Accessed
16. November 4, 2016. http://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3364.
17. Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.

Image Notes 86
1. Metropolitan Park Commission. “Plan of Charles River F Waham Line to Boston Harbor.” Digital image. Digital Common

wealth Massachusetts Collections Online. 1894. https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth:5m60r530k.
2. “Boston: Neighborhoods.” Digital image. Discover New England. Accessed November 4, 2016. http://www.discovernewengland.

org/about-new-england/boston-neighborhoods.
3. Silva, Marcio Jose. “Downtown Boston.” Digital image. Local Luxe. 2004. http://www.justluxe.com/travel/bos

ton-news__1959595.php.
4. Bronstein, Stephen. “Harvard Square.” Digital image. Youtube. February 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_VcCqs

Jv38.
5. The Arsenal on the Charles: Site Plan Review Criteria. Town of Watertown. May 6, 2016. http://www.watertown-ma.gov/Docu

mentCenter/View/19220.
6. The Arsenal on the Charles: Central Campus. Town of Watertown. May 6, 2016. http://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCen

ter/View/19220.
7. The Arsenal on the Charles: Building Height Analysis. Town of Watertown. May 6, 2016. http://www.watertown-ma.gov/Docu

mentCenter/View/19220.
8. The Arsenal on the Charles: Northwest View. Town of Watertown. May 6, 2016. http://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCen

ter/View/19220.
9. Acitelli, Tom. “Boston Architecture the Last 250 Years: Italianate to Shingles.” Curbed Boston. November 11, 2015. http://bos

ton.curbed.com/2015/11/11/9901838/boston-architecture
10. The Arsenal on the Charles. Google Maps. 2016. Acitelli, Tom. “Boston Architecture the Last 250 Years: Italianate to

Shingles.” Curbed Boston. November 11, 2015. Accessed November 4, 2016. http://boston.curbed.com/2015/11/11/9901838/bos
ton-architecture
11. “Climate Chart Boston.” Digital image. Climate Data. July 2016. http://en.climate-data.org/location/1722/.
12. The Arsenal on the Charles: Illustrative Campus Map. Town of Watertown. May 6, 2016. http://www.watertown-ma.gov/Docu
mentCenter/View/19220.
13. Riverbend on the Charles. Digital image. A Berkshire Community. 2016. http://www.berkshirecommunities.com/apartments/
ma/watertown/riverbend-on-the-charles/
14. “Locomotive Repair Shop.” Digital Image. 1920. http://thearsenalonthecharles.com/history/the-historic-arsenal/



7. PRROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
& DOCUMENTATION

PUBLIC SPACES

90

PRIVATE SPACES

92



First Level Block Plan Second Level Block Plan Third Level Block Plan

94

Image 1. The Testing Materials Laboratory Opening in 1959

8. BUILDING ANALYSIS, CODE,
REGULATIONS & STANDARDS

THE EXISTING BUILDING
The exterior of the building is predominately brick,
with windows that were added after renovation in
2009. The space is utilitarianism, having a history
of a being a locomotive repair factory and afterwards
a nuclear materials testing laboratory. The space is
centrally focused with clearstories. The building is
supported by 16 bearing columns which run parallel
with the elongated building, throughout the three
stories, which can be shown in diagram .
The central alley may make the interior very loud,
because of its high ceilings, skylight windows, and
metal structural trusses. There are small amounts
of opportunity for noise reducing ceiling elements
in this alley, which wouldn’t eliminate views of the
trusses and natural light.
I will utilize the existing building entirely, with
functions on each of the three floors. The first floor
will have the kitchen, brewery and main dining
room. The second floor is smaller, and will have
private dining areas. The third floor is very small
with views of the entire second floor which would act
as a lounge for guests.

Image 2.