Studio Luz Architecture and Urban Design

Tilt-Down Fence

Dorchester, MA

Public Art Installation, 1,000 sf
Completion: 2016

Project Overview

Tilt-Down Fence was an interactive public art installation that celebrated the long contributions of immigrants in the city of Boston.

Project Team

Hansy Better Barraza
Anthony J. Piermarini
Iris Kim
Connie Wang
Petre Jariyanandhanetr
Siena Smith
Lyza Baum
Cissy Yuan
Ariana Lee
Sandra Lopez
Jennifer Vincent
Jenyea Tiffany Chang
Tzu-Yu Su
Ivan Inhwan Tae
Talia Connelly
Mark Roh
Celeste Martinez
Dane Clark
Aislin MacDonald
Adelaide Mackintosh

Textile Consultants

Michelle Dunbar
Isabelle Camarra

Photography

Jane Messinger

A SPACE OF CARE

TRANSFORMING A VACANT LOT

The challenge in designing this public installation was to foster a sense of community celebration on a vacant street corner. Tilt-Down Fence created a space of care by providing residents with a lively neighborhood center to gather in supportive conversation.

SYMBOLIC STRUCTURES

ECONOMIC MOBILITY & CONNECTIVITY

In their vertical orientation as climbing structures, the series of seven ladders were designed to symbolize upward economic mobility and opportunity for Vietnamese immigrants. When brought into a horizontal position, the ladders transformed into picnic tables for residents to gather, connect, and support each other.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

BR+A+CE AND VIETAID

This installation was a work of collaboration between BR+A+CE and immigrant advocacy organizations such as VietAID, a local nonprofit focused on improving the lives of Vietnamese immigrants in Dorchester.
Tilt Down - Ladders Up
Tilt Down - Librarian & Kids
Tilt Down - Kids
Tilt Down - Diagram
Tilt Down - Overview
Tilt Down - Ladder Bridge
Tilt Down - Plan
Tilt Down - Overview Up
Tilt Down - Underside

About the Installation

CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF IMMIGRANTS

Tilt-Down Fence created a temporary urban stage and community gathering space that celebrated the societal and cultural contributions of immigrants in Dorchester, one of Boston’s most diverse neighborhoods. Situated across from the Fields Corner bus station, the installation featured a series of seven vertically oriented bamboo ladders which represented upward economic mobility and opportunity. The ladders could also be configured horizontally into woven picnic tables, which activated the community space and provided a practical and thoughtful setting for residents to gather, connect, and support each other. The installation was developed by BR+A+CE in collaboration with local neighborhood organizations and immigrant advocacy groups including VietAID, a local nonprofit focused on improving the lives of Vietnamese immigrants in Dorchester.

BR+A+CE: Building Research + Architecture + Community Exchange is a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization co-founded by the Principals of Studio Luz Architects.

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