The prime factors in the landscape plan were motivated by green principles - a key concept within the project framework. Materials and methods that contribute to the site include, pervious paving, local vegatation, water retention, and solar panels. The pervious paving system along with the introduction of local vegatation allows water to permeate the site and be reintroduced to the water table (filtered via gravel system in paving system). Local vegatation that is hearty and low maintance would be introduced along the rear (North) of the building, which would allow for a micro ecosystem to develop in the spring and summer months. Evergreens would be planted along the North perimeter of the site, which has two benefits, it would act as another edge along the transit system - help reduce noise, and act as a year round barrier for the building (from colder northern winds). The terrace at the rear of the building would act as a gathering space for students as well as acting as a rear entry, while allowing motorists a small glimpse into the spaces inside the building. Along Boylston, decidious trees would be planted, to help shield the summer sun while allowing winter sun to penetrate into the space for heating purposes.
Roof Plan:
The key items to note are the p.v. panels and the green roof system. The p.v. panels are mounted to the roof, oriented to the South (angle maximized for summer sun), for maximum efficiency. The p.v. panels are meant to augment the dependence on the grid - one key benefit is net metering when the building has limited use. Net metering would allow the BAC to sell back energy to the utility company. The green roof system is meant to help retain water, preventing the need to tie into the local storm drain system. The remainder of the water (coming from areas containing the pv array) would tie into a cistern below grade, for introduction into the building as "grey water."
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