North Square Design Heading in the Right Direction

By Phil Orlandella

Following several community meetings with the Boston Public Works Department and the city’s art contracted A + J Art + Design, residents appeared to be pleased with the potential plans to renovate and beautify the North End’s historic North Square, the oldest public square in Massachusetts and possibly in the country.

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in the North Square area, Paul Revere’s House, Rachel Revere Park and the Mariners House are also located in the square.

A + J Art + Design has proposed four sculptures that embrace the history of the square in four different ways, emphasizing the many historic stories and the people that have made North Square their home over the centuries.

The design firm has proposed four sculptures in bronze, finished with a patina that evokes nautical themes.

The size of the sculptures will be on a human scale. Stone bases will incorporate benches/steps and will be placed in relation to key architectural features adjacent to the Square. Each sculpture echoes the character of the square as a small space looking out to a big view.

Sculptures will be made in a direct and indirect collaboration with the community.

Design also includes: new granite paving surrounding the planter, creating a large flexible space for relaxation and gatherings.

Sculptures placed around the paved perimeter will be easily accessible and the benches incorporated into the bases will also function as steps for viewing the sculptures.

Additional bench seating around the perimeter of the paving allows people to sit facing in toward the central planter, or out towards the four room -like quadrants of the Square.

Karin Goodfellow, Director of the Boston Art Commission and the North Square Public Art Project lead, and Maria Lanza, Liaison from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services are working with the community and designer to make the art endeavor a reality.