Mid-August weather urged me to share what I have seen and learned so far about Shade is Social Justice structures in Cambridge. Here is a quick post with photos, quotes, and links to explore before a promised sequel post with something more.*

“Looking for a place to cool down and admire some public art? As part of the City of Cambridge’s Shade Is Social Justice program, temporary public art structures are being installed to provide shade and seating across the community to further the city’s efforts to address our warming world. ” (quote from Innovative Shade Structures Arrive To Help Cambridge Address Warming World, Cambridge Arts, 7/10/24)

“Growing Shade” by Alejandro Saldarriaga and Northeastern University, Russell Field between Rindge Avenue, and Harvey Street, North Cambridge:

“Shade is Social Justice is funded by an Accelerating Climate Resiliency grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). It is one of the innovative ways the City of Cambridge is building climate resiliency and preparedness—and using the power of art and design to shape perception, strengthen communities, and find solutions. “ ( quote from Shade is Social Justice, City of Cambridge Arts and Cultural Planning )

“Imaginative solutions: Artists are uniquely skilled at cross-disciplinary responses to complex challenges that also engage a multi-generational public. Shade is Social Justice is an opportunity for artists and designers to explore imaginative solutions to the problem of heat islands throughout the city, particularly in areas with the highest risks.” ( quote from Shade is Social Justice, City of Cambridge Arts and Cultural Planning )

“Because we know that social connection increases preparedness and resiliency, we are looking for solutions that combine reasons for gathering with cooling.”( quote from Shade is Social Justice, City of Cambridge Arts and Cultural Planning )

“SHADE” designed by local teens in collaboration with engineers, educator mentors, youth advocates, and designers; Donnelly Field near King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School complex:

“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.” ( quote from Teens Design Innovative Shade Structure At Donnelly Field To Help Cambridge Address Warming World, City of Cambridge, August 14, 2024)

“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.” ( quote from Teens Design Innovative Shade Structure At Donnelly Field To Help Cambridge Address Warming World, City of Cambridge, August 14, 2024)

“In spaces called Shade – structures designed by a local youth committee with the same name – teens can find hammocks, beanbag chairs, and even outdoor movies.” ( quote from CBS news; Cambridge combines art and social justice to give teens their own space, Aug 14, 2024, By Laura Haefeli)

“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. “ ( quote from Teens Design Innovative Shade Structure At Donnelly Field To Help Cambridge Address Warming World, City of Cambridge, August 14, 2024)

“The organizations put teens in charge of deciding what’s best for them.”( quote from CBS news; Cambridge combines art and social justice to give teens their own space, Aug 14, 2024, By Laura Haefeli)

KEY RESOURCES: Shade is Social Justice, City of Cambridge Arts and Cultural Planning; Innovative Shade Structures Arrive To Help Cambridge Address Warming World, Cambridge Arts, July 10, 2024; Teens Design Innovative Shade Structure At Donnelly Field To Help Cambridge Address Warming World, City of Cambridge, August 14, 2024; Cambridge combines art and social justice to give teens their own space, CBS news with lively video, August 2024

*“Sun Block,” designed by Gabriel Cira and Matthew Okazaki, Jill Brown-Rhone Park in Central Square. (Hoping to visit this third shade structure to include in a sequel post.)