Urban Renewal and Public Amenities: Adaptive Reuse of Gas Stations in Cambridge and Somerville

Abstract

This thesis explores the innovative urban initiative of repurposing 28 gas stations across the city of Cambridge and Somerville into public restroom amenities, addressing the dual challenges of obsolete architecture and the scarcity of public amenities in urban settings. Through comprehensive analysis and design proposals, this work seeks to not only provide a practical solution to the lack of essential public facilities but also to spark a broader conversation on sustainable city redesign and the adaptive reuse of infrastructural elements. By transforming these gas stations, the thesis highlights a novel approach to urban development that leverages existing networks and spaces for public benefit, offering a model for cities worldwide to rethink their approach to future urban planning and development.