COGdesign has accepted three community projects for 2021. They are seeking at least two designers to take on each of the new projects described below. Additionally, a one day community charrette with six to ten designers has been proposed for the Neponset Greenway project.
Often COGdesign is able to match less experienced designers with those who have more experience in the field. Sometimes projects involve landscape architecture/design students who are matched with seasoned professionals. If you are interested send an email with your resumé to info@cogdesign.org. Call with questions 781.642.6222. Please see the website for more details about the projects: www.cogdesign.org.
The first project is a Park Redesign along the Muddy River, Fenway/Back Bay. The Muddy Water Initiative (MWI) has adopted this park, providing maintenance in the summer while the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) maintains the property in the winter. MWI seeks to redesign this neglected portion of the Emerald Necklace. They would like to bring this piece of the park to life as an inviting, active space with access to the river. Designers will create pathways, add benches, plant the riparian edge and incorporate many mature trees.
The second project is Benches for the Neponset Greenway in Mattapan. Powerful Pathways (PP), a Mattapan-based community development and civic advocacy nonprofit is engaging COG’s services to participate in a design charrette with the Mattapan community. PP has funding for the creation of two benches that will provide much-needed seating along the Neponset Greenway near the Mattapan entrance. Designers will be matched to groups of residents who are interested in bringing their artistic, cultural and historical ideas to the design of the benches. The COG volunteers will assist in drawing those ideas. The community will vote on which two designs will be used. The designers involved in the winning design may be involved as the project moves forward.
Finally, there will be a Masterplan for the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center in Roxbury. The ISBCC would like to create a cohesive landscape plan for their grounds with a focus on a new community gathering space behind the mosque. They would like this new space to be available to ISBCC community as well as to the surrounding community for events and spiritual reflection. ISBCC envisions a low-maintenance permaculture garden as part of this space.
