Copley Wolff Design group on designing for pop-up programming: Enhancing the urban experience

Boston, MA Although cooler temperatures are fast approaching New England, people are still flooding the streets to take advantage of “pop-up” outdoor gatherings, exhibits, and events. These spaces are strategically designed to encourage interaction among individuals in an attractive and inviting setting, thus offering a community-oriented appeal. Copley Wolff Design Group recognizes that landscape design is a critical component of programming space and it works as a foundation for the pedestrian experience. To create adaptable and timeless outdoor spaces, Copley Wolff considers both the immediate and future needs of each project. The following projects exemplify the firm’s commitment to creating vibrant landscapes that generate memorable experiences and a sense of community for years to come.

Wharf District Parks on the Rose Kennedy Greenway: Copley Wolff collaborated with public agencies and the community to develop a multi-purpose, seasonally-changing outdoor space for the city. Incorporating open space into the landscape was essential to accommodate a multitude of uses, anticipated and unknown.

In 2012, the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy developed a Public Art Vision that has brought innovative and contemporary art to the city through free, temporary exhibitions. This program has been extremely popular and has featured pop-up art pieces at various points along the greenway. The interactive Ring Fountain was recently converted into a temporary art installation featuring cast iron zodiac heads on pedestals. A large open green space dubbed “The Great Room” acts as a venue for larger gatherings and events and is framed by 24-foot-tall custom-steel Light Blades. In 2015, these blades were part of a temporary installment for the Greenway Conservancy’s Winter Light Series. The interactive installation allowed the public to change the color of the light blades by sending text messages to a previously designated phone number. These spaces are not only serving their initial function, but are now incorporating the ever-evolving Public Art Vision of the Greenway.

Ink Block Roof Deck – Corporate Event

The Roof Deck at Ink Block: Copley Wolff designed the outdoor amenity that has succeeded in drawing prospective tenants to the luxury apartment complex in the South End. The design of the roof top includes a pool, television/lounge space, a dining area with grills, and open green space for outdoor games and group exercise programs. Ink Block’s roof deck increases social interaction and a sense of community by offering residents and the public a place to relax, take part in events, and participate in recreational activities. Because of the deck’s open space and highly durable materials, numerous groups have taken advantage of the site. Ink Block hosts various events that use the dining and lounge areas for cocktail/networking spaces and the lawn for games and pop-up fitness and yoga classes.

Baxter Riverfront Park – Summer Movie Series

Assembly Row – Outdoor plaza with Flexible furnishing

Assembly Row and Baxter Riverfront Park: Copley Wolff’s landscape design includes streetscapes, plazas, a riverfront park and a playground. The landscape has been successful in engaging visitors and providing an enhanced sense of community. 

Since its opening, Assembly Row’s flexible streetscapes and plazas have provided opportunities for a number of uses such as farmer’s markets, craft fairs, holiday events, road races, fundraisers, and numerous other happenings to engage the whole family. The Sylvester Baxter Riverfront Park opened up six acres along the Mystic River to the public. The park consists of programmable open spaces for large gatherings, an amphitheater, and a playground. All of these spaces are used to host concerts, festivals, a Summer Movie Series, bootcamp and yoga classes, and events for children of all ages.

These projects are excellent examples of the importance of incorporating flexible programmable spaces into landscape design.

They reflect the core of Copley Wolff’s mission: “making places memorable.”