An exhibition of design proposals from The Charm Bracelet Project opens today at the
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Emphasizing community linkages, the project presents a conceptual framework for creating a
Northside family district. Sponsored by the museum, the project calls for stronger connections between cultural and educational destinations, family-focused development and the creative reuse of public sites.
The free month-long exhibition features models, sketches and multi-media displays by four design firms. Also included is a project website created by students from Carnegie Mellon University’s
Urban Lab. “It’s the culmination of 18 months of work--an exhibition of ideas,” says Chris Siefert, the museum's deputy director.
“There are layers to the ideas that have some very real opportunities that can come out of it,” says Siefert. “The museum is positioning itself to manage the multiple opportunities.” The project’s inception dates to 2004, when the museum opened its
award-winning expanded facility. In 2005, the museum received a $38,000
NEA grant to initiate a competitive RFQ process that attracted 15
proposals.
Siefert cites light installations, projects for an underpass, and museum/school partnerships as noteworthy proposals. “There are things that stand out--a strong idea for a public art program which would look at specific sites and curate events and installations over time,” says Siefert. “One exciting idea is an annual treasure hunt across the whole district.”
“The idea from here is to build consensus among stakeholders and choose priorities,” says Siefert. "We’re pursuing the idea of putting together a publication to showcase the ideas and process, and to provide a manual for moving forward.”
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Chris Siefert
Image courtesy of Paula Scher, Pentagram