When
designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. in 1878, the landscape was
the inaugural park in the famed Emerald Necklace. More importantly,
it was the lynchpin and the catalyst of a significant urban design
effort. It served many urban infrastructure roles and fulfilled many
roles simultaneously, among them municipal sewage filter, primary
municipal storm water basin, urban health reform mechanism, public
landscape conservation catalyst, structure for new urban development,
and recreation grounds.
And in all of these roles, the Fens served not only its local neighborhood
but also the entire city of Boston. It was a major part of building
the city. And since its official inauguration as urban park, the Fens'
infrastructure functions have expanded and dynamically changed in
response to the evolution of the cultural construct of 'city'--and
in response to the specific city of Boston.
For a more comprehensive exploration of the Fens as urban infrastructure,go
to Evolutionary Infrastructure
home (above in navigation bar). |
