Section 1 Urban Park

One enduring characteristic of the modern city is the edge condition, spaces that are formed between urban features, often left forgotten as border conditions. These edge conditions at the same time are attract fringe activity such as urban graffiti. Bordering the Maryland Institute College of Art, the Section 1 site has become an enclave for alternative art culture, with guerrilla art painted below the freeway rivaling some of the best graffiti art in the world. The project seeks to celebrate this subculture and organic urban gallery, by transforming the fringe conditions into a public space. Bounded by the Jones Falls, railroad tracks, bridges light rail line, and the highway, the space is an island surrounded by movement and activity. The urban park embraces the brutalist organic character of the edge condition to transform it into a destination for art and culture. The park will be a gallery, a skate park, and performance space the uses the city as a backdrop to casual and programmed activity.

Davin’s Role: Design Principal

Client: Section 1

Architect: Living Design Lab