Architect Doug Suisman will discuss the Charm Bracelet Project tonight at 6 p.m. at the
New Hazlett Theater. Santa Monica-based
Suisman Urban Design was part of an international team selected to develop ideas for a
Northside family district.
“The thing that struck our team was the history of
Allegheny City. We’re interested in how cities get to be the way they are,” says Suisman.
Citing 518 buildings destroyed during urban renewal, he adds, “People are struggling to find the bracelet for the charms because the connective tissue was destroyed. It’s an incredible opportunity to rebuild what was lost. We found great optimism because of the strength of neighborhood, cultural and preservation organizations.”
Last week, the museum received $100,000 from
The Grable Foundation to hire a Charm Bracelet Coordinator and implement proposals such as a neighborhood treasure hunt. “It’s an opportunity to connect institutions and create a true walking city. The neighborhoods are strong, but you cannot have a doughnut with a hole in the middle,” says the father of two who is spending his spring vacation in Pittsburgh. “The critical thing is to recognize the extraordinary importance of the 1784 plan that could form the nucleus of a very exciting, sustainable, urban center.”
A Charm Bracelet exhibition is on view in the Children's Museum’s lobby; a web component will be launched in coming weeks. To r.s.v.p. for the talk, contact Maggie Orzechowski at morzechowski@pittsburghkids.org.
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Doug Suisman, Suisman Urban Design
Image courtesy of Doug Suisman