About 40 Wentworth students spent thousands of hours on the YMCA project. (Photo by Meagan Bronson)
When the YMCA on Huntington Avenue wanted new furniture for its front lobby area, IKEA was not going to cut it. The Y reached out to members of Wentworth’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction Management for ideas on how they could spruce things up in a unique way. Erik Miller, director of Wentworth’s Center for Community and Learning Partnerships (CLP), soon became involved, and a full-fledged partnership with the Y was formed. “They were looking for ways to engage with higher education,” Miller said of the Y. “They had worked with Wentworth years ago and had a very positive experience. They also knew of our reputation for creative, hard-working students.” The Y spent more than $30 million over the last two years on additions including a new swimming pool and fitness center. One of the more critical needs was an upgrade to the main entry area. “The YMCA project offered what most studio projects never do, and that is realizing an idea,” said Robert Trumbour, associate professor of architecture. “It also offered a collaborative experience with real clients with real needs and aspirations.” Wentworth architecture students worked under Trumbour’s guidance to investigate materials, assemblies, and prototypes at full scale.
(Photo by Erik Miller)
Students then used their designs to construct benches and other seating for the space. “There were about 40 Wentworth students involved in the project, and thousands of student hours,” says Miller. The designs called for uncommon 15-degree angles, allowing the furniture to be rearranged quickly and easily. The installation includes six large benches and 12 smaller stools. The base of each piece is stained black, while wooden slats on top—which give the sturdy, 35-pound benches a look of airiness—are painted orange. The space was officially dedicated in December. YMCA officials were extremely happy with the final product—particularly since the project came in $6,000 under the allotted $25,000 budget—and are currently working with Wentworth students to create an exercise pavilion for the Y’s Hyde Park branch. “Practicing as an architect is an evolving multidisciplinary endeavor full of collaborative opportunities,” Trumbour says. “We need to be nimble and adapt to a changing profession. We can expand our reach and our relevance if clients know us as capable makers.” –Greg Abazorius
