MODEL 2A

Objectives:
Union Square is one of the oldest squares in Boston. Through the years it has changed and evolved into what is now a well balanced “micro community” that others areas try and reproduce.  Union Square possesses one of the largest artist/design communities in the Boston Metro area, due to its present affordability. The future extension of the Green Line will add a new element to the square that may unbalance the symbiosis of present conditions. Many land owners are looking forward to the new connection to city of Boston that the T will provide. City offices are currently looking at the effect that this new broadening of the Green Line will have for the economic development of the square, but few are looking to preserve the culture that is already present in Union Square. If the affordability of the square changes, the artist community  will have to move to other places to be able to work and live. With this possible exodus of these key contributors to the local community, the culture and style they impart to the community will likely be gone. By establishing areas in the square now, as “artist preserves”, we can safeguard the square from the possible evacuation of culture.

Proposal:
This site abuts a very busy intersection, with problems from the vehicle traffic and its byproducts; noise and light. It is not a site that young families may feel safe to allow their children to run and play along the street. But for an artist the site is ideal, the vibrant social activity on the street with existing stores that support the local artist. These retail stores below provide a connection to the community, and at the same time a buffer for the artist. The noise from studio space above won’t draw the same un-welcomeness it would if these “artist preserves” where located in a more residential part of Union square.

The sidewalk below is already a local community meeting area. A place where neighbors can socialize not because of planned meeting but because of the chance meeting.  Artists would add to this social phenomenon  that is already happening at the site. By providing a gallery space in this building it could connect the other residents of Union Square to the local artists.

There are numerous sites within Somerville that this prototype could be adapted to.

S. Kasper - scott.kasper@the-bac.edu