mckim building master plan
Boston Public Library | Boston, Ma
“This planning project provides a once in a generation opportunity to re-imagine this beloved space... we can reinvigorate and re-imagine McKim, making it a functional, versatile space that best serves the needs of the Boston community.”
designLAB collaborated with Shepley Bulfinch to update the master plan for the Boston Public Library’s McKim Building in Copley Square. Throughout the year-long process, designLAB led the community engagement initiatives including public meetings, internal & external focus groups, & surveys. designLAB provided the Historic Art and Architecture Assessment in collaboration with Building Conservation Associates. Finally, designLAB consulted on civic engagement & exhibit opportunities within the concept plans.
The master plan seeks to enhance the visitor experience of the building, the collections and services and includes a comprehensive renewal of the McKim Building. Due to its scale, the work has been divided into three projects, organized so that each has a distinct focus: Third Floor Renewal, Dartmouth Street Plaza, and the Courtyard. Read on for more details about each initiative.
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Type: Master Plan
Size: 200,000 SF
Status: Completed, 2021
Primary Partners: Shepley Bulfinch, Stoss, Building Conservation Associates
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McKim Master Plan BPL.org
Coverage of First Public Meeting The Boston Sun
Historic Art & Architecture Assessment
designLAB and BCA authored the Historic Art and Architecture Assessment, as the basis for master plan recommendations. The first part included a detailed existing conditions report as well as categorization of each designated space with a level of significance. The second part summarized the viability of proposed restoration, upgrades and alterations recommended in the master plan. designLAB presented a summary of the master plan to the Boston Landmarks Commission in the summer of 2021.
Third Floor Renewal
With the exception of the Sergent Gallery, the third floor spaces of the McKim Building are currently closed to the public. The master plan proposes new uses for the spaces that maintain the historical architectural character. Systems, technology and furniture are updated to reflect the ways in which people work, learn and interact today. The West Gallery will become a staffed reading room for use of the library’s distinctive collections. A new, secure classroom will be created for engagement with special collections. The Wiggin Gallery will be reinvigorated as a multi-use program space suitable for demonstrations and classes. The Cushman Room will provide informal seating areas under the restored decorative plaster ceiling. Small enclosed rooms at the far end of the main Cushman Room will be opened up with new glass doors and become inviting spaces for collaboration.
Dartmouth Street Plaza Improvements
The reimagined Dartmouth Plaza honors the historical architecture while addressing the Library’s program goals and the public’s desire for comfort in the city. Two groves of trees are proposed to frame the entry to McKim, placed carefully to provide clear site lines to and from the historical surroundings. Seating could be integrated as well as signage and infrastructure to support outdoor uses like the book fair, farmers markets, festivals and annual events such as First Night and the Boston Marathon. Sloped paths are proposed to be integrated into the existing granite plinth, landing discretely behind the sculptures of Science and Art which anchor the entrance.
Courtyard Enclosure
The biggest idea explored in the master plan is to re-imagine the McKim Building’s open-air central courtyard as a vibrant community space year round. A new sky-light roof covering is proposed to enclose the courtyard. The intent is to preserve its light filled and airy character that is the hallmark of this cherished oasis, while offering the experience through all seasons. If done carefully and conscientiously, what is most beloved and significant about the courtyard can be preserved and the addition of a covering will further enhance and extend its relevance and use. Benefits of this ambitious proposal include: increasing public program offerings year round (currently events are limited to June-August), protecting the interior facades (which represent 40% of the exterior area), and allowing for improved & accessible circulation paths.