Lynn Viaducts

Studio Luz was engaged for design assistance by MassDevelopment TDI to undergo a planning study to revitalize the vacant viaduct structure in Lynn. Acting as a technical architect, Studio Luz worked with MassDevelopment TDI and the City of Lynn to identify future programming and the architectural needs for the viaducts as part of improvement discussions with the MBTA.

The Lynn Viaduct Planning Study envisions the revitalization of the Lynn Viaducts into a community asset to support aspiring entrepreneurs and artisans, improves the public realm in Central Square, and transforms the viaducts into a regional destination. Originally used as storefronts for businesses, the Lynn Viaducts are currently under utilized as a public asset. Planned MBTA improvements and the Lynn Cultural District Recovery Plan made this the prime opportunity for revitalization and implementation of community engagement.

Studio Luz facilitated an in-depth community engagement process to serve as the underpinning for the reprogramming of the Lynn Viaducts. The team engaged community members and stakeholders by holding an in-person community workshop at the Lynn Museum and conducting an asynchronous public survey hosted by the City of Lynn. The proposed programming aligns with community feedback with the shell space conditions provided by the MBTA. Portable and/or flexible structures provide multiple opportunities for programs such as market halls, retail incubator spaces, pop-up food vendors, a community resource center, art galleries, intergenerational recreational spaces, and art studios and exhibition spaces. With activation spilling into the square, the space strives to be a welcoming hub easily accessible to the community.