Rem Koolhaas' firm OMA's first mixed-use project in Boston will feature a giant urban slit, diagonally-cut through the dazzled facade and this urban slit is presented by a recessed glass box, opening up retail facilities to the Boston Seaport. Located at 88 Seaport Boulevard, OMA's first commission to the city is aimed to create a dynamic and vibrant area that is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting neighborhoods and destinations in the country.

Named 88 Seaport, the mixed-use project will be developed with other international architecture and design firms including James Corner Field Operations, Sasaki, and NADAAA. Developed by WS Development, the scheme is worked as a part of Seaport’s master planned development, which weaves together a unique fabric of residences, offices, shops, restaurants, civic and cultural uses, hotels, and open spaces.

Led by OMA New York Partner Shohei Shigematsu, 88 Seaport will be comprised of 18 floors with nearly 425,000 square feet (39, 483 square meters) of office space - approximately 60,000 square feet (5, 574 square meters) of retail will be placed on the first two floors and the plans will include 5,000 square feet (465 square meters) of civic/cultural use. The building design features a unique series of cascading exterior terraces and a grand architectural gesture towards Fan Pier Green and the water’s edge.

Shohei Shigematsu, expanding the firm’s diverse portfolio in the Americas, said that "it's exciting to engage with the innovation migration to the Seaport District, and work with WS Development on a building positioned to be the nexus between historic Fort Point and the emerging waterfront developments. 

"Our design for 88 Seaport slices the building into two volumes, creating distinct responses for each urban scale of old and new, while also accommodating diverse office typologies for diverse industries with demands for traditional and alternative floorplates. The slice also generates an opportunity to draw in the district’s public domains, linking the waterfront and Fan Pier Green with a continuous landscape," Shigematsu added.

"We are committed to bringing world-class architecture to Boston’s Seaport – architecture that will stand the test of time. Together with the brilliant team at OMA, we will create a unique urban environment that advances Boston’s innovation economy and celebrates great urban design," said Yanni Tsipis, Senior Vice President of Seaport at WS Development.

88 Seaport is expected to start construction in 2018 and is slated to be complete in 2020. OMA has only revealed one image about the project.

Top image © Bloom 

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