Location: United States
Year: 2014
The Lawn on D is a permanent and beloved fixture in Boston’s Seaport neighbourhood. Its sponsorship and robust programming have contributed to its ongoing success as a self-sustaining, flexible urban playground that hosts arts, sports, social, and musical events throughout the year.
Inspired by classical playgrounds, Swing Time combines technology and inventiveness to invigorate outdoor areas in Boston and address the scarcity of urban play opportunities in the city. The initiative aligns with the Innovation District’s vision of creating an “urban environment that nurtures innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.”
Swing Time embodies the integration of technology and community involvement while providing a fresh platform to showcase local ingenuity. Each swing is crafted from custom-moulded and welded polypropylene and comes in three sizes to accommodate residents of all ages. An internal accelerometer in every swing detects motion and activates the LED lighting system, transforming its colour from white to blue and purple.
The Lawn on D was previously obstructed by a four-foot urban fill but now serves as a venue for art, installations, music, furnishings, and events. The majority of the program’s components are sourced from the local community. Artists, architects, musicians, and vendors from the area coexist and share the space with the visiting public.
Image Attribution: “Swing Time at Lawn on D” by Leslee_atFlickr is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
https://www.flickr.com/photos/leslee/19620519891/