The Graphic Meshes Industrial Masonry With Modular Construction

The redevelopment of Boston’s Graphic Arts Finishers building into The Graphic, a 171-unit multifamily community, combines the historic industrial center with a new, innovative structure made up of prefabricated, wood-frame modules.

The existing building, 32 Cambridge, houses 46 micro apartments and street-facing retail and amenity spaces. The new building’s massing and structure is designed to complement its historic neighbor; its amenity areas and 125 units feature oversized windows and building material palettes that evoke industrial use.

The architect utilized the site’s past in bookbinding to create a united brand palette. Black-and-white color blocking breaks up hallway lengths, and a hot pink anamorphic projection cuts through the underground tunnel that connects the buildings. The interior design team carried the ethos into public spaces with pop-art stylings against an industrial backdrop.

Because the modules had to be assembled in advance, the architects had to navigate bath and flooring finishes at the same time as zoning and city permitting. Once constructed, the modules were installed on-site, stacking to form a complete five-story building within six weeks.

“There’s quite a learning curve when you’re designing for modular construction,” says Kendra Halliwell, associate principal and design team leader at ICON Architecture. “Each project is a little different, the manufacturers work differently, the methods are different. But I do believe that there is a great future for building 3D modular construction. There’s a huge need to build more housing, and modular construction is a way to help facilitate that.”