Constitution Wharf

Constitution Wharf consists of three multi-tenant, commercial office buildings located on the harbor waterfront in Charlestown, Massachusetts, with extensive views of the city of Boston. Directly adjacent to the site is the USS Constitution, as well as the Boston Harborwalk and the historic Freedom Trail that run directly through the property, all contributing to its appeal to office tenants. However, the office complex, built in 1985, was showing its age and its new owner, National Development, embarked on an extensive renovation and modernization effort.

A new brand identity was established to acknowledge the historic nature of Constitution Wharf’s location while also establishing it as a 21st century office complex. The wayfinding program, through design and material choices, does the same in three dimensions. At the entry to the complex, the main identification is spelled out in letters of stainless steel, painted to achieve a two tone finish that echoes the visual language of the new brand.

Those letters are mounted on wooden slats that capture the effect of ships’ masts in the harbor while not obstructing the view. The angle of the sign gives the viewer a subtle cue to the direction of the main building. Once there, the same stainless steel letters are placed on the canopy over the building entrance as well as behind the reception desk. The program also includes exterior wayfinding for pedestrians and vehicles and interior wayfinding in the building lobby.

This program successfully balances an appreciation of the rich historical past of the site with the requirements of a modern office complex.

Client: National Development
Architect: Perkins + Will