PERSPECTIVES

The April issue of Boston Common Magazine is all about sailing into springtime with a refresh—lighter looks, brighter surroundings, and an air of easygoing optimism after another long and dormant winter.

RODE's Head of Interiors, Jessica Haley, shares her expertise on how to give your space a new, post-pandemic life, taking cues from her extensive portfolio of hospitality work, like the new Bar Volpe in South Boston. Jess enlightens us on how to integrate soft curves, bold patterns, and subtle palettes to bring on the Spring season in style.

Read the full article in Boston Common here.

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We would not announce this milestone without recognizing the programming idea behind the Fieldhouse and the voices that helped shape it. The Club and Martin Richard Foundation gathered both adults and teens within the community who took the singular idea of an "athletic shed" and turned it into so much more. With their input, feedback, and ideas, our notion developed into a multi-faceted space for wellness, learning, and exercise.

Three words define the program of the Fieldhouse—ACCESSIBLE, meaning adaptive and inclusive to all; FLEXIBLE, meaning that indoor and outdoor spaces address dynamic and changing needs; and INTENTIONAL, meaning the opportunities for community benefit and personal growth are embedded in every square foot.

We are thrilled to take the next step forward in creating this truly transformative project with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester and Martin Richard Foundation, as well as our collaborative all-star team: The Green Engineer, Howard Stein Hudson, Goulston & Storrs, Lee Kennedy Company, LAM Lighting & Design, BET Building Envelope Technologies, LeMessurier, Cosentini Associates, BR + A Consulting Engineers, Haley & Aldrich, Stoss Landscape Urbanism, Dot Joyce Consulting, CSL Consulting, and Joyce Strategies LLC.

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We already knew we were good at design but yesterday we learned we would also make a pretty good ski team! RODE took to the slopes yesterday for our winter outing at Waterville Valley. Some of us headed straight to the top while others covered ground cross country, with trips to the Harpoon Skybox and lodge in between. Check out some highlights from the day. It was great to celebrate our first winter outing as a team since 2020 and a truly awesome way to spend a Monday!

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As a Senior at Cristo Rey Boston High School, I've had the opportunity to do an internship with RODE Architects. This experience has really opened my eyes to the importance of architecture. I’ve learned that architecture is a form of art that and adds beauty and solves real world problems.

We walk by buildings every day with different colors, styles, and uses for different types of communities. But we usually don’t take the time to acknowledge how well-thought-out the buildings are, and the details that go into their design. During my time here at RODE I’ve had the chance to sit in on design meetings and see how a project is planned. How much space is needed and how the building is going to affect the surrounding communities are some of the most important things talked about in meetings. The efficiency of energy, water, and other resources is also thoroughly discussed.

Many of RODE’s projects demonstrate a focus on the environment. RODE’s design for E+ Mission Hill includes a public garden and private residences. The residential building design focused on efficiency and performance. For example, tripled-paned windows provide energy and window shading and the solar hot water panels turn heat into hot water.

E+ Mission Hill

RODE’s NY Concrete Facility is currently under construction and took on another challenge. Energy consumption was one of the things they worked on reducing, but their main focus was to design a building that retains an industrial design but blends in with the nearby residential zone. RODE’s design added well-lit paths around the perimeter of the facility to promote walkability and blend together industrial and residential zones. I understand from this project that it’s important to know how a building’s design will affect the community, not just how good looking the building is.

NY Concrete Facility

RODE also designed Passive House certified homes in West Roxbury called Brucewood. These homes are designed and built in a special way that uses minimal energy for heating and cooling throughout the seasons. They are extremely sustainable and use less resources. They are also beautiful and their natural materials make them fit nicely into the residential neighborhood.

Brucewood

The architects here at RODE emphasize the importance of environmental and community impact in everything they design. I’ve learned how important it is for architecture to work to solve real problems while also adding beauty to the world. From start to finish, the best architecture puts the community and environment first.

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RODE is excited to announce that Neponset Wharf was approved by the BPDA Board this evening. The approval marks a significant milestone for the project, and represents years of collaboration among the team, local community members, and city and state agencies.

This mixed-use residential, office, and marina project is at the forefront of waterfront development for the City. The striking contemporary wharf language of the architecture embraces the history of the site while projecting a model for coastal development. Passive House design will ensure the residential units meet the highest standards of energy efficiency, and extensive resiliency measures protect the future residents while buffeting the longevity of Boston's shoreline.