Opening with Intention: How Early Programming Differentiates 10 World Trade in the Seaport Landscape
PROJECT OVERVIEW
THE CHALLENGE:
10 World Trade is a new 17-story lab/research and development building in Boston’s Seaport. In addition to its 455,000 sq ft of lab and office space, 10 World Trade will create 8,000 square feet for cultural uses, 6,500 square feet dedicated to retail, and 40,000 square feet of outdoor public realm. Isenberg Projects was brought on to create a public realm and activation strategy that differentiates this property from others in the Seaport.
THE OUTCOME:
10 World Trade has the opportunity to set a new standard for community engagement in the district through arts and culture, wellness, and inclusive programming. Isenberg Projects developed a comprehensive engagement strategy, including partnership recommendations, infrastructure improvements, activation concepts, and a phased implementation plan spanning pre-construction through full occupancy. We also launched the initiative by producing two pilot events from our recommended programming.
Building on the development’s WELL certification, the strategy positions 10 World Trade as more than an office and lab building—it is a destination that fosters wellbeing, resilience, and connection through design, culture, and community. Our recommendations established a long-term framework for public programming and partnerships centered on equity, sustainability, artists-in-residence, youth engagement, and community impact.
10 WORLD TRADE KIOSK DESIGN COMPETITION
Spearheaded by Isenberg Projects, the inaugural 10 World Trade Youth Design Competition partnered with three design education organizations, Sasaki Foundation,YouthBuild Boston, and Digital Ready to oversee high school student competitors in designing an exhibition kiosk that will eventually be housed in the 10 World Trade lobby. The kiosk will provide a platform for arts-based nonprofits and artists to feature their creative work on rotation in the public ground floor space.
10 WORLD TRADE GROUNDBREAKING
In March 2022, 10 World Trade broke ground, introducing itself as Boston’s next-generation life science building. Isenberg Project led the charge in planning a memorable and multi-faceted groundbreaking ceremony, with activities designed to showcase future commitments that the property is making.
From planning, management and design to featuring artists from the community in an art exhibition, this high profile event was carefully executed, connecting all touch points back to the future of the property.
Using original images from local artists featured on the site’s construction scrim, a mini ‘ Art Exhibition’ was created for the groundbreaking ceremony. The Art Cart accompanied the groundbreaking ceremony art exhibition, with custom magnets as a take home gift for visitors.
Princess Moon, a local Boston poet, took the core themes of 10 World Trade and crafted a poem to paint the future of the site through her words. This poem will one day be showcased in a plaque in the lobby.
