Zone 3 Western Ave
Public realm / Cultural Programming
Client
Harvard University, The Harvard University Allston Initiative, Graffito
Location
Western Ave Corridor,
Lower Allston, MA
Square Ft.
Over a 1 mile corridor of Western Ave
Services
Concept Creation
Art Curation
Artist Management
User Feedback Collection & Synthesis Community Engagement
Event Production & Execution
Digital Placemaking Services
Summary
Since 2015, we have been working on Western Ave with Graffito and Harvard to further activate the corridor with art programs and tactical interventions. This was eventually formalized as the Zone 3 initiative to further activate and energize Western Ave with public art, community, and creative programming and events. The hub of Zone 3 activity comprises the cluster of buildings at 267 Western Ave in Allston. Living a former life as a dry cleaning facility and auto body garage, these buildings were transformed through Harvard-led efforts, and since then, have been used as a flexible space to engage with a range of dynamic partners and local artists for a diverse array of creative programs, art galleries, and retail experiences. Over time, the excitement of Zone 3 has transformed outside of the walls, as mural and public art initiatives are now seen throughout Western Ave with the work of local artists.

The Challenge
Create a robust programmatic, public art, and messaging strategy that highlights the existing community and creates a space for Harvard affiliates and Allston residents alike to gather, create, and connect.
The Outcome
A hybrid of a digital and physical placemaking initiative known as Zone 3. Featuring a custom designed visual identity, website creation and social media presence, and development of an ambitious public art plan highlighting the creativity community in Allston and Brighton, Zone 3 has thrived in a way that meaningfully connects with Allston’s passion towards art and creative opportunities in the neighborhood.
5M+
Digital views of public art
50K+
EVENT
ATTENDANCE
400+
ARTIST
PARTNERS
120+
Events
Annually

Evo by David Teng Olsen, 2016
Zone 3 Website + Marketing

Allumination by jessie + Katey

Barry’s Shop, 2016

Drinking + Drawing Series, 2016-2020
Barry’s Shop, 2017

Aeronaut Allston, Boston’s First Beer Garden, 2016

Allumination by Jessie + Katey, 2017

Wheatpasting workshop with Jessie + Katey, 2017

Walls on Western 2017: Faces of Allston by Pete Cosmos

Yellow Tree by Zach Lanoue, 2016

Walls on Western 2018: IMAGINE

Interconnected by Sophy Tuttle, 2020

Art Scrim by Deborah Johnson, 2019


Walls on Western 2018: Chris DeLorenzo

We All At The Grove by Harvard GSD
Surprise Supper
Art in Print

Walls on Western 2019: Julia Emiliani, Sam Fish & Sabrina Dorsainvil

To The Front Photography Show

Aeronaut Allston Beer Garden, 2019

Punk Rock Aerobics, 2020

Vinyl Fair, 2018

Zone 3 Window Shopping, A curated holiday shopping experience, 2020
