Danish practice Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects has announced that construction has begun on the redesign of Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center, the 65,500-square-metre project is an expansive mixed-use development on historic Commonwealth Pier in the city’s Seaport District. 

Designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen (SHL), the adaptive reuse project will introduce new ways to explore and engage with the waterfront. 

The program of the development includes a public plaza, an enhanced Harborwalk, retail, and first-class Seaport Hotel event and meeting spaces, as well as a unique, flexible workplace.

The design intent for Commonwealth Pier is to preserve the building’s unique heritage while making it a highly attractive modern-day destination. Image courtesy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

International real estate developer Pembroke turned to Schmidt Hammer Lassen, along with Boston-based architectural firm CBT, to honor the site’s historic integrity while also introducing new materials, increasing daylight, and providing new points of connectivity. Commonwealth Pier was built more than 100 years ago and was once the largest of its kind in the world. 

As SHL summarizes, the revitalization project is targeting LEED Gold Certification and will incorporate advanced design strategies for resilience and sustainability to ensure the pier’s continued enjoyment for generations to come. 

The design honors the site’s historic integrity while also introducing new materials, increasing daylight, and providing new points of connectivity. Image courtesy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

"In our approach to the Commonwealth Pier’s transformation we have tried to be mindful and meticulous," said Kristian Ahlmark, Partner and Design Director at Schmidt Hammer Lassen. 

"We approached the place with curiosity and precision, and carefully assessed what we found important to preserve – both architecturally and culturally. We engaged in a continuous conversation with the building throughout the process, which was done in close collaboration with Pembroke and the many great consultants that have been a part of this journey."

Image courtesy of Cityscape Digital for Pembroke

Schmidt Hammer Lassen’s design includes enhanced outdoor spaces and public amenities, including courtyards, walkways, green spaces, and a grand waterfront plaza. 

The plaza will become the pier’s central gathering point, providing a flexible outdoor space for year-round activities. It will feature, tree plantings, custom seating, and areas for moveable tables and chairs.  

The Harborwalk, a popular paved pedestrian path along Boston Harbor, runs along the site’s perimeter and views to downtown Boston, East Boston, and the Boston Harbor. 

There, too, Schmidt Hammer Lassen designed spaces to accommodate custom seating, integrated planters, and outdoor lighting—all of which will allow for a dynamic visitor experience. Niches in the building’s façade will provide additional public seating, shaded areas, and connectivity to retail and dining. 

Image courtesy of Cityscape Digital for Pembroke

SHL preserves Boston’s Maritime Past 

Schmidt Hammer Lassen’s design intent for Commonwealth Pier is to preserve the building’s unique heritage while making it a highly attractive modern-day destination. 

The stone arches and cornice of the historic neo-classical headhouse will remain intact. The façade of the building’s northern extension will include exposed columns and column connections from the original structure. With the introduction of curtain wall and other lightweight materials, the building will integrate seamlessly into its neighborhood context. 

Context diagram. Image courtesy of SHL

"When working on an existing structure, the most significant architectural statement is often made through what is left untouched or enhanced. This project has been about unleashing the inherent potential of the building as a natural gathering point and an urban living room of the entire seaport district," explained Ahlmark.

Commonwealth Pier is Schmidt Hammer Lassen’s second U.S. project. 

In December 2018, the practice’s mixed-use Monroe Blocks project in Detroit, Michigan broke ground, and in 2020, it announced an expansion into North America in partnership with its parent firm, Perkins&Will.

Site plan. Image courtesy of SHL

Concept diagram. Image courtesy of SHL

Section. Image courtesy of SHL

Project facts

Building Area: 65,500-square-metres

Competition: International invited competition, 2017

Status: Construction of Commonwealth Pier is expected to complete in 2024

Client: Pembroke

Construction Management: Turner|Janey

Design Architect: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Executive Architect: CBT Architects

Landscape Architect: IBI Placemaking

Engineer: 

Thornton Tomasetti (Structure)

Arup (MEP, Sustainability)

Sustainability: Targeting LEED Version 4 Gold Certification

Note: Maritime activity will continue along the pier during and after construction

Visuals:

Cityscape Digital for Pembroke

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Top image: The revitalization project, which is targeting LEED Gold Certification, incorporates advanced design strategies for resilience and sustainability to ensure the pier’s continued enjoyment for generations to come. Image courtesy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

> via Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects