Thesis Spring 2013

Cindy Jian

Research

Travel
Taiwan, Hong Kong, China Political Divides for decades. Questioning and Doubtis integration always the answer? Or, does the divide become such a defining factor that the two sides begin to coexist and accept the separation?

Reading
History of Baltimore/ contemporary design directions Eutaw Place as a historic landmark. Zoning, race and class as causes for a divided residential city grid.

Interweaving
Formal studies in books Systems and interconnected networks.

Interview

Community space might not be as important to them as a community posting board, better job opportunities, the like. People in Bolton Hill dont want to live in that kind of environment, this island. People in Baltimore have to confront this racial tension somehow... People in Bolton hill dont want their neighborhood to feel so segregated...Through these conversations, its starting to slowly open up. Its so important to have a space where people can come together and talk about things and make decisions equitably. Otherwise, it will always be one side whos making the decisions. Architecture is used very differently by class. Even if you think it can only be used in one way or through one thing, you have to keep in mind that other people, other classes. might not. Everything takes a long time. It has to. You cant rush through it. We have to make sure people are on the same page before moving forward.

No Boundaries Coalition: Rebecca Nagle

Division of neighborhoods-Upton/Marble Hill/ Madison Park vs. Bolton Hill Differing sense of community-old people with margaritas vs. on the street Noted: education, Mt. Royal Elementary sneaking kids in Life expectancy: 20 year gap between 2 neighborhoods. In Baltimore, Separate does not mean equal.

Site
So much seating. Outdated. And designed with no user in mind.

Openings and entryways

Are they worth preserving? Empty spaces. Fences.

This brick mound..its cool, but is it offering anything? (besides a cool view at the top of the hump?)

Current commodities: Grocery and American Legion Can lighting and signage help? The end of a road; no clear entryway from Marble hill into the brick park or to the rest of Eutaw. Theres even a gate.

This could be a prime spot for environmental signage Lighting could also help, depending on the time of day.

Such a pleasant, long walk. A place where environmental signage /posting boards can really help.

Great that these spaces exist, but to me, they arent activated spaces; not in use year-round, dont really have community buy-in, not a space to stick around; not a space with multileveled activities going on.

Could use some sort of shelter to make it a better transitional, accessible space.

View at the end of the walklooking onto Eutaw place and beyond. Could position trees to create a better viewpoint.

permeable entrywayno cars, just pedestrians.

Accessibility

Transportation; bus stops, metro, and lightrail

Note: No public transportation access to Bolton Hill. Related to class?

Bolton Hillfirm borders

Druid Heights

Marble Hill/ Upton

Central West Baltimoredebateable borders

Madison Park Muculloh Upton

Mosher + Eutaw Semi-permeable point? Potential to be a destination; surrounded by transportation stops

Intervention

Access & linkage Comfort & image Uses & Activities Sociability

Transitional space
Other (more urgent) uses: fresh food/ grocery program space-community education and discussion. activity space--recreation/celebration/education Could benefit from partnerships with local businesses and community centers A destination. A precious, shared space. An inter-neighborhood, connected identity.

Next steps:
Use No Boundaries Coalition monthly meeting as a time to engage active community members. Continue to interview locals