| TP08b Beyond the Waterfront: The Harbor Islands HSW 05/14/2008, 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Learning Units: 4.00-Boat Tour Training Units: 1.00-Training Area 17 (Landscape Architecture) Thank goodness for the glaciers. They left behind such beautiful natural resources within easy reach of downtown Boston-the Harbor Islands. We will travel to the Outer Harbor with stunning views of the Boston skyline, Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the islands themselves. We will disembark on Spectacle Island, formerly two connected drumlins (thus the island's name) used most recently as the city's garbage dump, now a centerpiece of the Boston Harbor islands' national park recreation area. This unique public/private partnership of not-for-profits and federal, state, and city agencies has spurred access and improvements to the 34 magnificent harbor islands. Discover how the Big Dig turned the smoldering landfill into a beautiful recreation spot complete with five miles of trails, new swimming and boating facilities, indigenous landscaping, and a green visitors' center-all within 15 minutes from downtown Boston. On this tour you will discover from a National Park Service ranger the history of the national park recreation area, Spectacle Island, and some of the other harbor islands. Local architects and island specialists will describe how the Big Dig reclaimed Spectacle Island, the engineering challenges, and the sustainable design and landscape elements. Learning Objectives:
Core Discipline: Design |