BSLA Awards for Two KMDG Projects
We are grateful for the recognition from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA) in honoring two KMDG projects with awards. Our work at Hoyt Sullivan in Somerville, Massachusetts and Central Square in East Boston, Massachusetts both received Merit Awards for Design.
Hoyt Sullivan
In 2015, Hoyt Sullivan was identified by the City to receive extensive renovations. Working with the City, community, and a modest budget, we delivered a concept that reimagines adventure play in a modern way. The project successfully preserves much of the tree canopy, including a majestic beech that anchors the site while offering a completely transformed space. The design recaptures the slope that was flattened in the existing conditions, helping to better align the park to the neighborhood’s drumlin and maximizing play and adventure opportunities for a small site. A fully-accessible adventure path weaves through the park and accentuates the topography while simultaneously connecting program elements and distinguishing the mandatory age-appropriate clustering for play equipment. The plan also seizes on the site’s proximity to the MBTA Fitchburg Line by replacing a steel fence section with a cantilevering overlook which formalizes the experience for children watching MBTA trains.
See more of the project here.
“What a great redesign of an urban outdoor space. It is a lot of program in a small space, but the way the path weaves through the spaces it feels very connected.”
Photography by: Christian Phillips
“The design thoughtfully enhances public life in East Boston by creating a multi-functional park that both embraces history and looks to the future through vibrant social spaces and sustainable strategies.”
Central Square, East Boston
Central Square has been the heart of East Boston’s commercial district since 1833. In the early 1900’s, an Olmsted Brother’s formalized elliptical open space emerged along with vast swaths of pavement to accommodate horse drawn carriages and street cars.
In redesigning Central Square for today, we successfully balanced the historic context with the current needs of the Community and sustainability goals to protect nearby Boston Harbor. The 1800s historic shoreline gave rise to the urban strategy. It inspired zoning the spaces into a piazza to support the East Boston Farmer’s Market and a tree-lined promenade that better connects residential Eagle Hill with the Community’s transportation hub. The roadway was drastically reduced, increasing the park by 57% and decreasing impervious surfaces by over 31,000 square feet. The elliptical open space was preserved and celebrated with a granite wall that can be used for seating or informal play.
See more of the project here.