Artists For Humanity EpiCenter Expansion

In 2014 AFH commissioned us to design a 30,000 gross sq.ft. addition to their existing EpiCenter facility in the rapidly evolving South Boston neighborhood. The new multi-story addition increases AFH’s overall footprint to 53,000 gross sq.ft. while doubling their employment of Boston teens in paid apprenticeships in visual arts and creative industries from 250 to over 500 annually. Following the acquisition of land immediately to the west of the existing structure, the expansion was planned to fill the triangular site to create an urban edge along its primary elevations. A new pedestrian path—featuring trees, shrubs, bike racks, and permeable paving—welcomes pedestrians and connects the surrounding neighborhoods.

To the north, an expansive public park fronts the new north-facing facade of the EpiCenter. An existing sunken garden was maintained and enhanced with new plantings and a reconfigured access stair as an outdoor extension of event and gallery space to the south.

The EpiCenter Expansion can now be approached from both the north and south, with prominent entries at both ends leading directly into the street-level event and gallery spaces. A one-story grade change between these entries creates a double-height gallery and pre-function area, wrapped by a perimeter mezzanine and connected by an open stair. Floors two and three are conceived as open, loft-like spaces, allowing flexibility and a diversity of uses for AFH’s growing program. At ground-floor, the event space was refurbished and expanded, enabling larger events to extend into the adjacent galleries.

The straightforward facade concentrates generous glazed openings at key areas in the floor plan, bringing daylight into the gallery and pre-function spaces while illuminating activities and artwork from the street. These shop windows are highlighted by charcoal-colored metal panel surrounds, set into a field of stainless steel corrugated cladding that references both the original facade and the industrial character of the historic South Boston waterfront. Operable vents within the glazed openings allow for natural ventilation when conditions permit. Combined with thoughtful programming and the definition of an expanded thermal comfort range, this approach minimizes energy demand and supports the future integration of a roof-mounted solar array.