Observing the Public Life of Boston

What can we learn about Boston from public spaces? Are destinations such as City Hall Plaza and the Rose Kennedy Greenway uniquely Boston? Do these spaces reinforce (or contradict) particular images of Boston? Do the city's public spaces work well and, if so, who do they work for? Who don't they work for?

For the first project of the semester, students in USW24 carefully observed public life at Faneuil Hall and one of the following iconic public spaces in Downtown Boston of their choosing: City Hall Plaza, The Rose Kennedy Greenway, Haymarket Square, Christopher Columbus Park, Long Wharf/ New England Aquarium Plaza, Paul Revere Mall and Post Office Square. During their visit, they were asked use sketches and photographs to record patterns they observed.

Click on the different links in the right column to view student work.