Copley Square Revamp | Back Bay

Yes it’s taken too long so everyone wants to judge but really think we need to wait and see the green space. The plaza should be great for the farmers market and other events where you’re not dodging planters, benches, etc. sure it’ll be just fine
 
stick n move said:
So at this point its as bare as its going to get and moving forward more and more grass will be incorporated until its all open, so well have to see how that changes things before making any final judgements.
Click to expand...
And while we wait, the Globe is intent on stirring up controversy. I hate the way these processes unfold with the commentariat.
 
BronsonShore said:
I agree that the plaza will probably improve with further growth. The problem in this case is that it was a perfectly fine urban space before. I think the rebuild can ultimately be an improvement in time, but it just wasn't necessary.
Click to expand...
Seconded. I also comment frequently about how wonderful the growth on the Greenway has been during my time in the city (same for Spectacle Island) - but even on day 1, the Greenway was better than the elevated artery. This new 3/4 of Copley Plaza is worse than the previous park, IMO.

Also - I understand the concept of the investment of time into a long-term resource for this wonderful City. But that Greenway growth time lapse was over 18 years. I will most likely not be living in Boston in 18 years, and destroying a park I enjoyed frequently and telling me it'll be somewhat better in 2 decades is not alleviating my criticism.
 
I don’t mind holding architects and planners accountable. It’s a welcome change and god knows how much we pay them to half ass it
 
This is so cute!!! The rabbit is scraching himself under his right ear & is following the turtle!! Normally, it's the other way around!!!! Hah!!!! :)
Statue of rabbit scracting himseelf & following turtle..jpg
 
Last edited:
Admittedly, I haven't followed this topic all that closely but now I'm intrigued. Could someone post before / after pics?
 
MjolnirMan said:
Renders:
View attachment 63163View attachment 63164

Actual photos from a few years ago:
View attachment 63165 View attachment 63167 View attachment 63168 View attachment 63171 View attachment 63172


Now:
View attachment 63166 View attachment 63169 View attachment 63170
Click to expand...
In this new version, the City clearly prioritized the event space hardscape across from the BPL. I guess only time will tell us if that was a good choice. The last version certainly seemed more inviting for casual users.
 
stick n move said:
Exactly, theres more to come.

Heres some renders showing where the greenspaces will be along with some examples of the planters and expected canopy cover:
View attachment 62664
View attachment 62665
View attachment 62663
QAX6BVT6XXG3EXTZQTM5E7PZ4I-6516fd7bc7646-768x432.jpg

View attachment 62668
View attachment 62666
View attachment 62667
Image-9-29-23-at-12.43-PM-6516febb84efd.jpeg

View attachment 62669
https://www.sasaki.com/voices/city-of-boston-releases-design-updates-for-copley-square/
https://www.boston.com/news/local-n...square-new-design-event-space-greenery/?amp=1
Click to expand...
Look at the guitar playing giant in the last photo! That will be an exciting feature of the square.
 
JeffDowntown said:
In this new version, the City clearly prioritized the event space hardscape across from the BPL. I guess only time will tell us if that was a good choice. The last version certainly seemed more inviting for casual users.
Click to expand...
My main question about said-hardscape is: why go with such a bleak, grey palette? The previous warm, red-brown brick hardscape played much more nicely with both Trinity and with Back Bay overall.
 
chrisbrat said:
My main question about said-hardscape is: why go with such a bleak, grey palette? The previous warm, red-brown brick hardscape played much more nicely with both Trinity and with Back Bay overall.
Click to expand...
I can only guess some one was tying the palette to the granite, limestone and pale brick of the McKim Building and the Copley Plaza. Does not seem like a great choice.
 
The idea to use mature trees in front of the renovated bpl was one of the best decisions of that entire project. You rarely see this done, but it made a massive difference. It would have been nice if they could have rented a tree spade and reused the mature trees that were already there. Its usually much more expensive to ship in mature trees, but they could have reused what they already had.

Maybe I’m off base and it wouldnt have been possible for some reason, but I wish more effort was put into things like this. Like the earlier poster said it would be nice to not have to wait 18 years for the trees to grow out. Imagine if it had mature trees on day 1. It could end up very nice with all the trees grown out, but in the meantime it may feel pretty barren.

Machines exist for this exact reason, and its very worth it imo.
1747329454874.jpeg

1747329546437.jpeg
 
stick n move said:
The idea to use mature trees in front of the renovated bpl was one of the best decisions of that entire project. You rarely see this done, but it made a massive difference. It would have been nice if they could have rented a tree spade and reused the mature trees that were already there. Its usually much more expensive to ship in mature trees, but they could have reused what they already had.

Maybe I’m off base and it wouldnt have been possible for some reason, but I wish more effort was put into things like this. Like the earlier poster said it would be nice to not have to wait 18 years for the trees to grow out. Imagine if it had mature trees on day 1. It could end up very nice with all the trees grown out, but in the meantime it may feel pretty barren.

Machines exist for this exact reason, and its very worth it imo.
View attachment 63178
View attachment 63179
Click to expand...
I may be wrong, but none of the existing mature trees were removed for this project as far as I know.
 
And it's actually quite easy to see on the schematics that the old trees remain in exactly the same places in the new layout. By adding additional trees around what had been straight, ornamental lines, they will achieve a much more natural, tree stand type of look. I'm astonished that people can't see how the new design is actually significantly more green than the old. And it makes a lot of sense for the paved portion to be across from the library, because it will enable festivals and other large gatherings to incorporate Dartmouth St. in to the activity zone.
 
HenryAlan said:
And it's actually quite easy to see on the schematics that the old trees remain in exactly the same places in the new layout. By adding additional trees around what had been straight, ornamental lines, they will achieve a much more natural, tree stand type of look. I'm astonished that people can't see how the new design is actually significantly more green than the old. And it makes a lot of sense for the paved portion to be across from the library, because it will enable festivals and other large gatherings to incorporate Dartmouth St. in to the activity zone.
Click to expand...
Applaud your positive take! (I also still think it would have worked better, had the hardscape been brick!)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top