We are pleased to share our Beyond Walls: Lynn Lights project was chosen for the AIA Emerging Professionals Exhibit. The annual digital exhibit celebrates the most creative plans, projects, art and design from architecture and design rising generation. This year’s theme Designing for Equity challenges designers to explore how to build inclusive environments where differences make a positive impact.
Beyond Walls: Building on the Vibrancy of Lynn
Lynn, MA has faced challenging economic, demographic, and perceptual circumstances, for decades. Poor visibility in the dark underpasses beneath the rail line downtown produces a disproportionate amount of crime and vehicle/pedestrian accidents.
As part of the “Districts in Development” initiative in 2016, MassDevelopment authored a Downtown Action Plan for the city of Lynn that succinctly stated, “Downtown Lynn has a need for place—specific designs for public spaces, streets and potential development sites that can be implemented quickly: How can we attract new investment by physically improving Downtown Lynn?”
Neighborhood meetings and feedback from residents and business owners revealed a desire for more specific public art and more light on the underpasses and the sidewalks to increase walkability. The community made it clear that they believed art could make downtown safer and improve local commerce.
In this spirit, civic-minded locals established the place-making non-profit Beyond Walls and began a campaign focused on three key urban interventions: Street Murals, Vintage Neon Sign Art and Dynamic Underpass Lighting.
See all the exhibits in this year’s Emerging Professionals Exhibit.
It all starts with a sketch.
Sketches from the desk of PAYETTE Principal, Bob Schaeffner.
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