By designing an exterior upgrade and a full interior renovation, MP aimed to re-engage the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Boston’s building to better facilitate the community’s engagement with their educational, fitness, cultural, and social programs.
MP balanced a need for increased security with a welcoming openness by providing updated security bollards outside and turnstiles inside that flow into a central front desk easily recognizable to those who entered. The design also incorporates additional back-of-house security for employees on-site. The reconfiguration of the lobby allows for an accessible lounge space with soft seating, a welcoming reading nook for children, and a teen lounge for hangouts and teen-focused programs.
Crafted with new finishes throughout, MP designed the new interior to include a beverage center, grab-and-go market, catering kitchen, large coffee area, and several different styles of seating throughout for all types of community members and activities. In addition to the more populated open space, the design incorporates smaller enclosed spaces for select programs or quiet reading, along with a private wellness room for nursing mothers or other privacy needs.
Throughout the process, MP kept inclusion at the forefront to accommodate JCC’s diverse community members and their differing needs.