Public Space Activation – Fieldstone Recreation Space

University of Baltimore

Spring 2024  

This project required students to select a public space and propose a way to activate it through design. This can be in the form of public messaging, community mural, interactive space - but it must directly address it’s surroundings. I chose to reimagine a space in a local townhome community to offer kids a safe alternative to playing in the streets. 

My goal was to create a fun and engaging space, that doesn’t require an intense budget, but maximized the available space, encourageed imagination, and is in a more safe, supervised area.

The space I have chosen is tucked behind the neighborhood clubhouse and pool. Due to the extreme angles of the fence and community center the area is awkward to engage with currently. I want to utilize the wall as an interactive element and offer kids ideas on how they can engage with the space.

My first step would be to either paint the stones to appear as a net or carve into a section of the wall to create an open net. This will only require a ball for children to be able to actively engage with a section of the space.

Branding for the space was created to visually enhance the the wall and to draw attention the the new features. The colors were selected through research on palettes that engage the most successfully with kid in video games and playgrounds.

Additionally, we adapted common games with new rules that fit the awkward space to provide kids, and printed them on signs to post on the wall. 

A colorful map will be created and posted near in areas around the space that will guide visitors to the activity areas.

Currently we are only utilizing a portion of the available space. This will allow us to interview parents and kids to see what they like and what could be better (seating area for parents) and plan for future expansions.

Public Space Proposal Brief