Main Spotlight: How Communities Are Reimagining Streets for Everyone
Learn how Main Streets in Philadelphia are using active transportation to foster healthier and more connected communities.
The “Blooms in the Field” asphalt mural was recently unveiled in Boston, Massachusetts. © Fields Corner Main Street
In August, Fields Corner Main Street unveiled “Blooms in the Field,” a one-of-a-kind art installation that improves community safety while creating a vibrant and beautiful public space. This asphalt art project was the result of two years of planning, design, and research funded by Boston’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. The result is an art installation that beautifies the area while also highlighting safe pedestrian crossing zones.
“We started by conducting a survey at our Open Streets event to ask people what they wanted for in Fields Corner,” said Jackey West-Devine, Executive Director of Fields Corner Main Street. “The three main themes that came from the survey were safety, flowers, and fun. When the funding came in, we were compelled to do something big.”
Inspiration and Design
This project brought together many innovative artists, including Ngoc-Tran Vu, Rixy Fernandez, and Liz LaManche, who led a similar thermoplastic asphalt art project in 2021. “We gelled our ideas into the design you see: a garden of many kinds and colors of flowers, loosely drawn from the folk art of tropical places that people in the neighborhood might relate to,” said LaManche. “We hope the explosion of bright colors will enliven our shared space, bringing surprise and delight.”
The design of the mural was carefully chosen to reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the neighborhood, while also incorporating elements that would enhance pedestrian safety. Large, bold flowers of lavender, pink, and green with red accents highlight the main crosswalks, while large green bands border the adjacent sidewalks. Together these elements increase visibility of pedestrian and vehicular spaces, and the places where they intersect. Durable and long-lasting thermoplastic material was selected to ensure that the project was sustainable. The project has received overwhelming support from the community, with many residents expressing their excitement and appreciation for the positive impact it will have on the area.
“As a socially-engaged Vietnamese artist in Boston Little Saigon Cultural District in Dorchester, the Asphalt Mural Project embodies my commitment to enhancing our shared spaces visually and functionally,” said Ngoc-Tran Vu, another artist of the project team. “This project, blending personal and professional significance, allows me to collaborate with fellow creatives to improve community accessibility. The final design — a thoughtful mosaic of beauty, cultural diversity, and utility — makes the streets safer and more inclusive.”
Celebrating with the Community
The official unveiling of the mural took place on Sunday, August 18 with the Asphalt Mural Block Party. The free community celebration included a ribbon cutting for the mural, local food vendors, music and dancing, balloon art, games and contests, face painting, and art stations. The block party brought the community together to celebrate the success of the project and appreciate their new downtown art landscape.
Are you interested in learning more about how asphalt art can beautify your community while improving road safety? Check out this study from Bloomberg exploring the impact of asphalt art >
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Community members temporarily took over the intersection to officially debut the asphalt mural with a ribbon cutting. © Annielly Camargo
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Children dancing during the Asphalt Mural Block Party. © Annielly Camargo
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Local food trucks offered tasty treats during the event. © Annielly Camargo
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A chalk drawing station offered opportunities for residents to express their creativity. © Annielly Camargo
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