Description

“Carr, Lynch and Sandell prepared a Master Plan for Central Square followed by a design for the proposed streetscape improvements for Massachusetts Avenue and one block of all cross streets to create a public setting complementing the multi-cultural life of Central Square. The overly wide traffic corridor was narrowed and articulated by a rhythmic series of block-length street spaces and short, well-marked pedestrian crossings. Much needed bicycle lanes were added. New lighting distinguishing sidewalks from roadway, trees and bench groups made the square a more pleasing, safe, and comfortable environment for pedestrians. The first block of the side streets received new paving and trees. Municipal parking lots were enhanced with landscaping, lighting and low fences. The primary intersection in the Square was a major focal point and a gathering area. Intensive community participation and review, and collaborative work with artists ensured the appropriateness and vibrancy of the improvements.”

Streetscape: “As envisioned in the design, Massachusetts Avenue became a pedestrian friendly environment and a place of celebration. Ross Miller's holiday light banners of dancing figures reflect the long tradition of dance in Central Square and enliven the street during the darkest time of the year.”

Shelters: “Carr, Lynch and Sandell designed shelter structures for Central Square in Cambridge as a part of comprehensive streetscape improvements. These include bus shelters and a canopy in an existing public walkway. Colored glass panels project a changing pattern of light enlivening the spaces they shelter. CLS worked closely with steel fabricators and with a greenhouse manufacturer during the design and construction of these structures, adapting standard greenhouse components to cost effective results. The sheltered walkway features a photo mural, depicting Central Square past and present, designed by the CLHS team working with the photographer, James Fossett. The mural was participatory because Fossett set up a ‘studio’ in the walkway, allowing people to take self-portraits. Many familiar faces appear in the mural. The opposite wall of the walkway is constantly being reworked by graffiti artists from around the world, and walkway has been nicknamed ‘Graffiti Alley’.”

Carl Baron Plaza: “This open space, at the main Central Square intersection, was designed to be a sheltering, contemplative place in a commercial environment. Steve Carr collaborated with the sculptor Ritsuko Taho, whose vision was to discover and honor the dreams of the multicultural residents and workers in the Central Square area. The team decided upon a set of internally lit glass block towers, with the word “dream” etched onto each block in many languages, complemented by brass ‘prayer wheels’ painted with examples of people’s dreams, collected through a public process. In the artist’s Buddhist tradition, spinning a cylinder would send the dream into the air, blessed for all who shared it. The wheels were set on sinuous granite ‘cloud’ benches, shaded by flowering

trees. Paving included welcoming ‘rugs’ of patterned brick.”

https://www.cambridgema.gov/~/media/Files/CDD/Planning/Studies/CentralSquare/centsq_improvements_plan_1995.pdf