Early Innovation In Foundations

Excavations and rehab work on 130-old Trinity Church, in Boston, MA, reveal architectural and engineering marvels.

1 minute read

August 27, 2003, 6:00 AM PDT

In Boston,"while other Back Bay and South End property owners battle rot that has sometimes dangerously weakened the pilings that hold their buildings up, Richardson's masterpiece shows nearly a scratch from 130 years perched on swampland....But Trinity's success is not merely the result of good fortune that ground water never drained away. Instead, Richardson -- an architect known for his intricate Romanesque facades and careful attention to detail -- designed his church with the distant future in mind, building in backup systems that would support the church long after his generation was gone....Knowing they have a solid foundation, church officials can focus on ongoing renovations, intended to beautify the visible parts of the magnificent building, which has been a national historical landmark for more than 30 years."

Thanks to Connie Chung

FULL STORY: A church on stilts

Tuesday, August 26, 2003 in The Boston Globe

Architecture Massachusetts

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.