The final project of the fourth semester. The proposition is a design that is much more that just the requested water taxi terminal. The design faces true North at its tallest point. It gives occupants a sense of direction, acting as a compass. The design is also a giant sundial. In the center of the design, there is a green area raised a significant height. On it, there is a platform with the months. The occupant stands on the month of the current time and his/her shadow projects toward the arch that is labeled with the corresponding time. The sundial’s geometry also dictates the placement of the masonry arches. In between the arches, sit shells composed of aluminum panels. The northern half of each shell is taller than the southern half. This creates a south - facing void that lets in diffused natural light. This void has a natural ventilation characteristic as well, due to the wind blowing from the north most of the year. The design sits in the water instead of land. This results in no loss of land from the park and comfortable access to the commuters as well as the taxi boats themselves. Occupants are to move in a circular motion, following the design’s oval shape. The design takes comfort as well as the environment into account, but also throws in some curious features that allow the occupants to greater interact with the structure.

Here, one was asked to design a water taxi terminal for the city of Bayonne, New Jersey. The design had to use masonry in some fashion. The program required space for a terminal, ticket booth, outdoor public area, newsstand, restrooms, and a waste & recycling area. Water taxis had to have easy access to the terminal, as well as people. The site was quite tricky, partially in the water, and partially on a steep hill. It was located between two parks.

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