In collaboration with Sofia Ruiz, Brown/RISD Dual Degree '27
Empathize & Define
As pedestrians on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, we found that there is an apparent lack of urban green space and community engagement events on the bridge itself, leading to potential isolation from the city and the greater Providence community.
We are creating a way to maintain the existing green space on the bridge (e.g. planter system) while uniting and drawing in commuters, prompting them to linger and feel more connected to the bridge and each other.
To address this, we are conducting a springtime pop-up messaging board embedded in the preexisting planter system. Community members and commuters will be prompted to tell a story, draw something, or write a message to others on paper made with native seeds. At the end of the pop-up, participants will be invited to plant their messages into the planter during an educational workshop, revitalizing the green space for all to enjoy while nourishing Providence’s native ecosystem.
Ideate
Materials Research
Prototype
High-Fidelity 1/2 Scale Model
