About this Event
Join us outside!
We are thrilled to celebrate Boston in the fall with a walking tour of this iconic, award-winning landscape, followed by a social hour. Sponsored by Maglin Site Furniture.
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The Christian Science Plaza: Restoration, Repair & RejuvenationAt 14 acres, The Christian Science Plaza is Boston' s largest publicly accessible private open space. Originally designed in 1968 by I.M. Pei & Partners' Araldo Cossutta and Sasaki Associates' Stu Dawson, the Plaza is a national icon and a designated Boston Landmark. The Plaza was part of a mid-century update of the world headquarters of The First Church of Christ, Scientist (TFCCS). The Plaza, completed in 1972, unites The Mother Church Original (1894), The Mother Church Extension (1906), the Publishing House, and three Brutalist-style buildings by Araldo Cossutta into a single monumental composition. This restoration and repair project is the Plaza's first comprehensive restoration in 45 years.
The renovations to the Plaza and reflecting pool are more than a restoration effort, introducing new elements to achieve the client's goals of enhanced social benefit and sustainability, while respecting the defining mid-century character. TFCCS wanted to make the current plaza more welcoming to the community and visitors. This meant finding ways to penetrate the plaza's barrier-like perimeter without compromising its historic integrity.
The Christian Science Plaza Restoration and Repair extends the life of this historic open space into the next 50 years, while adapting it to a new social context, keeping it relevant and vibrant. The new design elements respect the original design, while making the plaza more welcoming to all ages, in all seasons, in all times of day or night.
Join us on a walking tour as we explore the details of this iconic civic landscape as rejuvenated for the 21st century.
Led by
John Amodeo, ASLA Fellow-elect, Principal, IBI Placemaking
The Christian Science Plaza Restoration & Repair was awarded a 2022 BSLA Honor Award in Design.
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After the tour, stay for the SocialAttendees are invited to continue the conversation over drinks & snacks at a nearby restaurant.
This light-hearted gathering is sponsored by Maglin Site Furniture.
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All are welcome. Tickets are free, but attendance is limited. Sign up today!
BSLA is applying to offer 1.5 LA CES HSW continuing education credits for this tour. Status: Pending.
Tickets are free. All are welcome. Tour size will be kept small for health and quality of experience. Please come dressed for the weather, prepared to walk outside. We look forward to exploring with you!
FOR FURTHER READING
Read more about the restoration and repair of The Christian Science Plaza by IBI Placemaking (2021).
Read about the original landscape architecture of the Christian Science Center by Sasaki (1968-1973), and as described by The Cultural Landscape Foundation.
Read about the rehabilitation of Boston's largest perennial garden and the development of a new garden at the Mary Baker Eddy Library by Reed Hilderbrand (1998-2003).
IMAGES
Above, all images courtesy IBI Group/IBI Placemaking. Photography by Chuck Choi.
From top:
Reflecting Pool Zone Bird's Eye
Huntington Edge Planters
Huntington Edge, The Nooks, After
Sunken Garden
The Beach, Night
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Below, seating and photo by Maglin Site Furniture.
PROJECT CREDITS
Owner The First Church of Christ, Scientist
General Contractor Consigli Construction Company, Inc.
Landscape Architect IBI Placemaking
Structural Subcontractor Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH)
Structural Subcontractor LeMessurier
Civil Engineer Nitsch Engineering
MEP Engineer Jaros Baum & Bolles
Preservation Consultant Preservation Technologies Associates, Inc.
Lighting Consultant LAM Partners
Waterproofing Consultant Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH)
Cost Estimator AM Fogarty & Associates, Inc.
Signage and Environmental Graphics Roll Barresi & Associates
Water Feature Designer DEW Inc.
Arborist Bartlett Tree Experts
Irrigation Design Irrigation Consulting, Inc.
Geotechnical Engineer GEI Consultants, Inc.
Snowmelt HVAC Engineer Engineered Systems, Inc.
Photographer Chuck Choi Architectural Photography
Owner's Representative Redgate Real Estate Advisors
ABOUT INSIDE/OUT
Organized by the Boston Society of Landscape Architects, "Inside/Out" is an ongoing series of small group, outdoor, on-site walking tours of landscape architecture throughout our region. Prioritizing issues of climate and health, equity and resilience, tour discusses ideas and implementation as we explore these landscapes together.
View a short video of Inside/Out highlights.
Is there a landscape you'd like to visit -- or one you'd like to share? Let us know! This series is ongoing. Join us outside.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Christian Science Plaza, Huntington Avenue, Boston, United States
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