My design abstracted the traditional cross-gabled-roof form that was abundant in the Dixwell neighborhood. As a play on the “house (or houses) next door,” I lengthened, extruded, and multiplied the shape of this building, orienting the masses in a zig-zag pattern to create courtyards on either side. These additions wove through the existing architecture, showing clear distinctions between old and new. Inspired by the arched doorways and window headers found on the church’s original facade, I populated my design with rows of round arches (of varying sizes). These arches were symbolic, articulating thresholds where people transition into different kinds of space – inside and outside, public and private, and spiritual and secular.

Instructor Aniket Shahane