The 30-Year Development Of Public Space

A small pedestrian alleyway in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that developed slowly over more than 30 years reminds that architecture's placemaking abilities are not only seen in huge projects and iconic buildings.

1 minute read

May 15, 2007, 10:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

"We often forget that architecture is much more than monuments."

"Architecture shapes most of the spaces we live in -- the little streets and alleys, the big squares and boulevards. They're defined by architecture the way a room is defined by its walls."

"A case in point is a charming brick-paved, tree-shaded, mid-block pedestrian alley in Cambridge, Massachusetts."

"Here, over a period of more than 30 years, a series of developers and architects, each working pretty much independently, added one little piece at a time until the Walk was complete. It was an amazing act of voluntary collaboration. Everyone saw the potential of the Walk and everyone made sure, as they built new buildings, to leave enough room for it."

FULL STORY: Designed so you'll walk this way

Sunday, May 13, 2007 in The Boston Globe

Architecture Massachusetts

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