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Jerald Sparkman
• Immersion
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The site visit to Boston and the Fens provided an understanding of the urban
context that was not evident from the initial mapping exercise. The relationships
between the various systems of the city seem to be directly connected to
the quality of the urban environment. Where one system is thoughtfully organized
with another system the result is clear from the quality of the place and
its resulting use. Where two (or more) systems show a lack of connection
and positive relationship between one another a disjuncture in the urban
environment is apparent.
The lack of connection seems most prevalent at the north end of the site
as the watercourse branches towards the Charles River. At this location
numerous systems of the infrastructure come together and hierarchies are
developed that place certain systems above others. Of particular note is
the relationship between the Muddy River and the road systems. At the Boylston
St. Bridge the watercourse becomes constricted as it is funneled through
the labyrinth of highways, overpasses, railroads and city streets. Just
before the Muddy River reaches the Charles River it is disconnected and
channeled under Storrow Dr. The result of these constrictions and hierarchies
is evident both in the quality of the watercourse and the habitation of
the landscape.
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