Baltimore Open City - Pictures from the Opening

Baltimore Open City

"An open city is a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of such things as wealth, race, age, or religion. In every neighborhood of an open city, one feels like he or she belongs. However in Baltimore—as in most American metropolitan areas—issues like housing discrimination, bad public transportation, and the privatization of public space separate people, and create an uneven distribution of health, wealth, and education.
For the exhibition Baltimore: Open City, students of Maryland Institute College of Art’s Exhibition Development Seminar invited scholars, activists, community-based organizations, local artists, and visiting artist Damon Rich to create a series of installations, workshops, and other public programs that investigate the ways in which Baltimore is and is not an open city. We welcome our neighbors to join us in exploring what a more open city might look and feel like."

General photo of the whole event.

Visual representation of foreclosures in the city.  Shown by neighborhood. We are in the 138-191 range.

Wall of things for the taking! I collected postcards as a kid, so this was right up my alley,

Images of how unwelcoming fortress-like building facades can be to a pedestrian.  Providing nothing of interest.

Baltimore time line.

Baltimore time line color legend.

Topographical representation of local cities' access to quality services.  The taller the stacks, the more accessible it is to residents.  The harbor is that gaping hole in the middle.

A puzzle made up of Baltimore's 270+ neighborhoods.

Guide to the puzzle.  I had to write in Pigtown by hand.  I'm guessing the artist considered which name (Pigtown or Washington Village) should go down, and then forgot to put it in.  Though, I spot at least 4 others with no name.  The physical puzzle pieces are labeled though.

Lounge spot with padded milk crate seating.

There is definitely more to be seen!  I'll have to go back to check it out.  After 30 minutes, there were so many people in there that I could hardly move.  So I figured I'd make it back before it ends on May 15.  Also check out the event webpage and click "calendar" to see the list of tours and lectures being given in conjunction with the exhibit!

Why do I keep posting about urban planning?  Because it's something that affects Pigotwn.  And the more you know, the more ideas we all get about what we can do to make it a better, and more welcoming, neighborhood.  Knowledge is power.  Empower yourself!

Another Urban Design & Planning Video

This one is shorter than the last!  A video on developing more people-friendly streets from TED.

Introduction to Urban Design & Planning

One good way to get ideas for our area, is to look at what other cities are doing.  New York City.  Remember back when it was completely crime ridden?  Or if you're too young, how every movie in NYC made/taken place in the 70s & 80s made it look dangerous and not like somewhere you want to visit?  Well go watch The Warriors, Ghostbusters, American Gangster or something!  NYC has drastically stepped up their game!  But how?  Check out this video about public space and the revision of the NYC zoning and design code (I realize it's long, and I might find it more interesting than you, but the guy is good with humor, and they even mention Charles Square right here in Bmore):

whyte styles from chris woebken on Vimeo.
William H. Whyte's classic film studying how people use urban spaces.
It's kind of funny to hear him rag on Bryant Park back in the day, and to see how far it's come!

Here's another way NYC stepped up their game:
Broken Window Theory

 If you get a chance, check out other cities' examples.  Even if it's just their community group websites!  See what they're doing to succeed!  It's such a great way to get ideas.  And because they're in another state, we won't be stepping on any toes like I was worried about over at Union Square.  A favorite example of mine is Philadelphia, specifically Manayunk.  It's a college town, mind you, but it's a former industrial area that still holds a good locals population.  An acquaintance through a mutual friend once told me that he did a total nerd-filled analysis of major urban cities, complete with spread sheet, and he concluded that Philly had the greatest quality of life while maintaining a low cost of living.  I think that's the sort of thing all cities should strive for! 

Note: I'm sure there were many other factors that contributed to New York City and Philadelphia's success as post-industrial cities that I've left out.  It would take an entire novel to cover them though.  You wouldn't read it right now, and I wouldn't write it for free.

I just hope this gets some momentum going in the community, and gets your wheels a turnin'!

COP Happy Hour & Baltimore Open City

Quick announcement in case you were concerned - The Citizens of Pigtown Happy Hour is canceled for tonight.


The following is a repost:
Check out Baltimore Open City! 

Opening of Baltimore: Open City
Friday, April 1, 7–9 p.m. North Avenue Market, 16 W. North Ave.
Celebrate the opening of the exhibition Baltimore: Open City, which will investigate the ways in which people feel welcome or unwelcome in Baltimore neighborhoods. The evening will include food trucks, a Night Lights event with Sky Space Project, and live music.

From their website:

An open city is a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of such things as wealth, race, age, or religion. In every neighborhood of an open city, one feels like he or she belongs. However in Baltimore—as in most American metropolitan areas—issues like housing discrimination, bad public transportation, and the privatization of public space separate people, and create an uneven distribution of health, wealth, and education.

For the exhibition Baltimore: Open City, students of Maryland Institute College of Art’s Exhibition Development Seminar invited scholars, activists, community-based organizations, local artists, and visiting artist Damon Rich to create a series of installations, workshops, and other public programs that investigate the ways in which Baltimore is and is not an open city. We welcome our neighbors to join us in exploring what a more open city might look and feel like.

It runs through May 15th if you can't make it tonight.  Though, I must admit I haven't found hours of operation if you want to stop in on any other day.  Here is a list of future lectures/events associated with the group though:

http://baltimoreopencity.tumblr.com/events
http://baltimoreopencity.tumblr.com/lecture_series



Personally, I have an absolute passion for urban design and planning.  I have a background in Landscape Architecture, so this level of nerd is expected from me.  I really believe that good design can save us all.  Well... maybe not solve everything.  But I'm fascinated by the psychological and health benefits that are associated with good design, whether that be making your neighborhood a more social and welcoming place or making it more accessible to alternative modes of transportation like walking/biking that cost nothing and lead to great adventure!  I'll stop weirding you out now...  GO!  Maybe you'll be inspired to create something really awesome that we could make happen in Pigtown ;)


I know I have ideas, and I'll reveal some of them soon!