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Landscapes can provide a common ground for a diverse group of people. As designers, it is our responsibility to enact beneficial change through landscapes and close the gap between low income communities and other more affluent areas.
Landscapes can provide a common ground for a diverse group of people. As designers, it is our responsibility to enact beneficial change through landscapes and close the gap between low income communities and other more affluent areas.
Merely providing outdoor open spaces is not enough though. To make the landscape the pride of the community, it must be easily accessible, well-maintained, and community-driven.
Merely providing outdoor open spaces is not enough though. To make the landscape the pride of the community, it must be easily accessible, well-maintained, and community-driven.
Research has shown that equal access and exposure to nature can cultivate more equitable communities by providing a variety of physical and mental health benefits. Furthermore, landscapes that incorporate elements such as community event space, public art, and play areas are known to provide opportunities for socialization among neighbors and increase multiple civic engagement objectives.
Equity through green space
Equity through green space
Equity through play
Equity through play
Equity through socialization
Equity through socialization
Equity through health
Equity through health
Recreational Elements
Recreational Elements
Photo by Tdorante10 on Wikimedia Commons
Recreation is an integral part of the surrounding community and a way to enhance physical and mental health among children.
Shade Elements
Shade Elements
Photo by Matt Moloney on Negative Space
An essential feature to many parks is shade either by incorporating lush tree canopies, or implementing shade structures. In this way, comfortability increases within the park space.
Space for Events
Space for Events
Photo on West Hartford Yoga
An equitable community park takes into account both recreational needs of the community as well as social needs. Passive space that can be used for a variety of events ensures that all community members feel the park is a place for them.
Cohesive Design
Cohesive Design
Photo on Raw Pixel public domain
Having a strong connection between certain features of importance to a community can help facilitate a greater use of space and suit it more to their specific needs and desires.
This case study details the work done by a non-profit called KABOOM! that designs park and playground equipment for low-income communities and municipalities.
Harlem Park Elementary-Middle School Playground
Harlem Park Elementary-Middle School Playground
KABOOM! designed and built playground equipment to reduce costs and offer low income areas with an equitable and pleasant park space
Image Source:https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/non-profit-tackles-inequities-by-building-playgrounds-in-low-income-neighborhoods
Image Source:https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/non-profit-tackles-inequities-by-building-playgrounds-in-low-income-neighborhoods
Location: 1401 W Lafayette Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217
Date Designed / Built: 2016
Client: Baltimore Public Schools and the Recreation and Parks Department
Designer: KABOOM!
More information on the Harlem Park Elementary-Middle School Playground
To see how students applied research on equity in the landscape to a community center that used to be an African American school, see the Evans County Community Center project description.
Fall 2022
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