Published in three prior paper editions, the AIA Guide to Boston been called "the best [field guide] of its kind on the continent." This new digital version adds more than 500 new sites along with color images from leading photographers.
This is the first AIA Guide anywhere to be published as a mobile app. It's:
Effortless to carry. If you have your phone, you have the Guide (now the equivalent of a 500+ page book!)
Smart. Using GPS, the app can find the guides closest to you
Connected. Directions are available with a tap, and live links to online resources provide more depth instantly
Up-to-date. New sites and guides are added to the app as the city grows and evolves.
The Guide features:
Descriptions, stories, and photos of more than 1,200 contemporary landmarks, historical buildings, urban features, and parks across the metro area
In-depth guides to neighborhoods, architects, styles, and award winners
Walking and site tours around prime destinations including Downtown, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Harvard, MIT, and emerging districts. Follow the Freedom Trail and Walk to the Sea with new eyes, focusing on the old and new architecture along the way.
For residents and visitors, architects and design lovers, builders and students, the AIA Guide to Boston offers a unique, fun new way to explore the nation's oldest major city.
App is way better after the update, sometimes pages take a little while to load but I’ve got time. I wish the tiles on the discover page were more interesting. Great app over all. I love being able to look at the map of Cambridge and see all the pins and check out what’s what. I wish the pages for the different buildings had more pictures.P.s. No LeCorbusier Carpenter Center???
Developer Response
Thanks, glad you found the updated version! The Discover tab is now updated per your feedback - it's a classic balancing act between ease/speed of use and how it looks, and we agree that more is more in that case. The Carpenter Center is in the Harvard guide, as well as the Harvard walking tour. Check it out - with commentary from Harry Cobb, we think it's one of the best entries. (We decided to separate Harvard from the West Cambridge guide - together, they have over 200 sites!)
Informative and easy to use
MBoston79
This guide provides multiple ways to experience Boston's architecture---choose categories like architect, neighborhood, style, BSA award winners, and more. I love that i can choose to have the app alert me when I'm near a building of interest.
Can't wait to discover more
travellerdd
My husband and I just tried it on Comm Ave and found out that what seemed to be a very bland building was really very interesting. We walk all over Boston and look forward to more discoveries!DDjane
Not great
TruIsTru
Just got the app and already discovered the map for Hyde Park doesn’t work. Some pins show up on a blank page and even the pins are hit or miss. Haven’t looked at other neighborhoods but disappointed so far. Also there is no entry for the historic Westinghouse Plaza nor the former racetrack in Hyde Park. Both very worthy historical spots of interest.
Small bug fixes and improvements
Version 9.0.454
The developer, Thomas Pounds, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Linked to You
The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:
Usage Data
Diagnostics
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
Seller
Thomas Pounds
Size
154.5 MB
Category
Travel
Compatibility
Requires iOS 15.1 or later.
iPhone Requires iOS 15.1 or later.
iPad Requires iPadOS 15.1 or later.
iPod touch Requires iOS 15.1 or later.
Mac Requires macOS 12.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
Apple Vision Requires visionOS 1.0 or later.
Location
This app may use your location even when it isn’t open, which can decrease device battery life.
