Robert Alexander, 2013 Rotch Scholar

Problem

Create a new water transit station on a site in Fort Point Channel adjacent to the Northern Avenue Bridge.

Solution

Alexander's winning scheme proposed a folded volume fixed above the water that would contain public facilities including an indoor pool and an observation deck. Below this, a floating platform would house transit facilities, a public plaza and a retail space that would rise and fall with the tides. The jury was taken with the way the building promoted both a large-scale enclosing gesture to the water as well as invigorating spaces for the various functions of the facility.