1. As local economy and environment declines
due to climate catastrophes, Somerville seeks
redevelopment for the site of 180 Somerville
Avenue in respond to the declining urban vitality
around Union Square area.
Fosterville complex takes advantage of the
combination of industrial technology with urban
living infrastructures.
Foster means growth. By incorporating several
urban systems and different aspects of urban
living, Fosterville is a self-sustaining complex
that promotes sustainable living and civic
activities.
03 FOSTERVILLE, SOMERVILLE
Living Complex | Somerville, Massachusetts
Harvard University Urban Design Studio
Third Year Summer Studio | 4 Weeks
Independent Project

2. Analysis shows that the land use of Somerville and adjacent towns follows a
typical combination: the proximity of residential zone with industrial zone.
It is observed that the sprawling residential buildings spread as small pieces and
mix with industrial blocks where the size of building footprints is much larger.
Regional Map
Union Square Roads Cutting through Major Roads and High- Union Square Zoning
Site AxesHighway Proposal Podium Towers
Industrial Use
Residential
Train Station
and Volume
Railroad
Highway
Regional Statistics: Demand for Food
Consumer Expenditures
with the Share of Food Exoenses
City of Somerville
qqlTeele SquareTeTTeT elee S aquareuaruaraa
qiiiiDavis SquareDDDDDavDDDavia SSSSSSquaSS uu rarearerrssisiiis Ss Sssss
qllBall SquareBBBBBBBallBBall SqSqq erre
Magoun SquareaaMaa uagaaaaggog u aSquarareununuuuuu
illillilEast SomervilleEasE St SS eSoSSS meeommom evi eeeviv leleeeillelleee
iUnion SquareUnU onUnion onnnnnn S arSqSq
53.8%
36.8M
53.1%
36M
31.5M
53.3%
50.3M
53.4%
91.3M
49%
53.3%
26.8M

3. Vehicle Movement
Pedestrian Movement
Master Plan
Transit Station
Outdoor Farming
Product Processing
Industrial Park
Super Structure
Elevators
Podium
Proposed Highway
S1: Schematic Section
S1
S2

4. Horizontal
Planting Rack
Algae Power
Generator
Residential
Units
Market
and Shops
Research
Laboratory
Vertical
Planting Rack
Outdoor
Market
Highway Import
and Export
Flexible
Construction
& Growth
Podium
Ground Level
Podium
Second Level
Industrial
Park
Algae Chemical
Energy Converter
Electrical
Energy GeneratorEnergy StorageMechanical Package
Sun Angle
S2: Detail Section
Highway Import
and Export

5. TYPE I - LIVABILITY - URBAN LIVING
Residential Units: private, intimate, single floor height
space that accommodates living needs
Civic Center: public projects, libraries, youth centers
and community programs
Indoor Courtyard: the “indoor outdoor space”;
public indoor green space
Commercial Center: botique stores, supermarkets,
variety shops that serve the residents
Residential Units
Public and Social Service: convention centers,
museums and educational programs
Indoor Palaza: gathering and leisure
space around the courtyard
Street View from Somerville Avenue

6. TYPE II - GROWTH - VERTICAL FARMING
Residential Units: living space connected
with vertical farming programs
Open Planting Zone: maximum open area for
plants that demand sun and soil
Vegetable Garden: vertical or horizontal
racks for soilless planting of vegetables
Algae Energy: energy generation through
photosynthesis of algae
Supply Shop: stores next to farming
programs providing equipment and support
View of Outdoor Farm, Podium and Towers
Research Laboratory: explore new planting
methods and technology

7. Loading Path Inside the Podium Tower Sectional Diagram
Podium Sectional Diagram
View from McGrath Highway
Farming and Residential
Urban farming is the key component
of Fosterville. Vertical vegetation and soilless
planting are implemented inside the towers
along with algae biofuel panels that provide energy
for the complex.
Residential and farming programs are connected so that
residents can access their gardens directly.
View in the Podium: Indoor Open Space