Context is KEY to successful community design.  Design for artistic sake is all well and good, but for a lasting success the context of the project is critical.  In rare cases there is little context to draw upon, but this is not the case with Newton.

Context refers to the history and culture of your community as it is expressed in: vernacular architecture (pre-franchise design); community events and programs; the industries and businesses that were the basis of the community’s founding, as well as current industry and business.  It is the sounds and smells of the community.  It is the people.  Altogether, it is the “flavor” of the community.  To design in context is to reinforce and reintroduce those elements that make your community unique and attractive.  Too many firms just repeat what they’ve seen in magazines, or modify what they did somewhere else – losing sight of context and missing out on a huge opportunity.  That is why many projects fall into disfavor, quickly outmoded and outdated, lacking the timeless sense of place that makes a truly successful project.

Designing in Context is a very powerful tool in Place-making.  Place-making goes beyond physical design, and takes into account the demographics of the community, thereby providing targeted opportunities for the interaction of citizens and visitors.  People attract people.  Therefore it is important for the Master Plan to account for the broader demographics of a community.  Newton’s aging demographic highlights the importance of accessibility, but there may also be a strong opportunity to share stories about events and places in history by drawing upon that resource of knowledge and documenting it in historical excerpts that educate and build the community knowledge base.  Integrating and promoting these elements in walking tours and playgrounds, for example, can make learning fun while promoting an active, healthy community lifestyle.

The Skinner Design Studios Team will take into account the history, the people, the business environment, the physical environment, and the dreams and aspirations of the community as it builds a context-based master plan that can serve as a working guide for years to come.