Teens Design Innovative Shade Structure At Donnelly Field To Help Cambridge Address Warming World


8/14/20242 months ago

“SHADE” at Donnelly Field, Cambridge.

Teens Design Innovative Shade Structure At Donnelly Field To Help Cambridge Address Warming World


Cool down under “SHADE” at Donnelly Field. Designed by local teens in collaboration with engineers, educator mentors, youth advocates and designers, SHADE is one of three temporary public art structures that have been installed across the city this summer as part of the City of Cambridge’s Shade Is Social Justice program to provide shade and seating, and to further the city’s efforts to address our warming world.

SHADE was designed by a local youth committee (Cheryl Rateau, Eli Goncalves, Nico Chandler, Samadhi Simmons, Matt Keane, and Amara Henry-Guity) with support from Buildingways, Friday Night Hype, Citizens of the World, Olin College of Engineering, Jennifer Lee, Cambridge Public Health Department and Pneuhaus.

They write: "SHADE addresses the mental health crisis among teenagers by providing a dedicated outdoor space for them to connect and feel a sense of belonging, away from direct and overwhelming adult oversight. Supported by various Cambridge city departments and the work of a youth steering committee, SHADE operates at Donnelly Field and the MIRROR, aiming to fill the gap in spaces specifically for older teens, promoting their mental well-being and outdoor engagement." (The MIRROR is a STEAM learning program for Black and Brown students in Cambridge.)

The Shade Is Social Justice program helps Cambridge adapt to global warming by strengthening our climate resilience and preparedness. It uses the power of art and design to shape perception, stimulate discussion of the challenges, and find solutions. Cambridge’s additional climate efforts include an ordinance requiring large commercial buildings to eliminate the use of fossil fuels by 2035, an electric vehicle charging program, and improving infrastructure for bicycle and bus transportation.

Shade Is Social Justice is led by Claudia Zarazua, Arts and Cultural Planning Director for the City of Cambridge, and Lillian Hsu, Cambridge Arts Director of Public Art & Exhibitions. The project team includes staff from multiple departments: Cambridge Arts, Community Development Department, the Department of Public Works, and the Public Health Department. The project team is part of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s regional Resilience Community of Practice, which supports grantees, advances better practices, and reduces barriers to progress.

Additional shade installations in Cambridge this summer include:

• “Sun Block,” designed by Gabriel Cira and Matthew Okazaki to bring shade to Cambridge’s Jill Brown-Rhone Park in Central Square.

• “Growing Shade” located near the Russell Field playground, between Rindge Avenue, Clifton Street and Harvey Street, North Cambridge. It's designed by Colombia-raised, Cambridge-based architect Alejandro Saldarriaga and Boston's Northeastern University.

Shade Is Social Justice was initially funded by a $100,000 Accelerating Climate Resiliency grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The City of Cambridge has identified additional funds to increase the number of artists and sites. The budget includes mitigation funds from New England Development, the developer of CambridgeSide.

A call for designers was announced in spring 2023. A panel of community members selected five winning designers from 18 applicants from the region based on past work and interviews with the candidates. Two additional shade structures are expected to be installed at locations across the city the summer of 2025.

Remember, hot weather and extreme heat can cause serious illness and can even be life-threatening. Seeking shade and staying hydrated can help you cool down during extreme heat. More city resources for How to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat.