This is a recent newspaper article, published in the Cambridge Chronicle, that feature my painting of Johnston Gate at Harvard . The principles of this gateway are applied in the redesign of City Hall Plaza.
Johnston Gate clearly marks the entrance to the old yards of Harvard. This particular gateway is flanked by Harvard buildings which form a transitional space that enhances the sense of containment of the Harvard Yard space. This gateway, and others, create an interesting contrast between the quite intellectual atmosphere of Harvard Yard and the dynamic commercial activities of the surrounding Harvard Square neighborhood .
This quality of containment enhances the distinct character Harvard Yard and the experience of its spaces is dignified by the un-interrupted lines of pedestrian movement. In addition, the buildings are sized appropriately by relating their proportions to the open spaces of Harvard Yard and provide a delightful feeling of human scale in the experience of the smallness of many of Harvard Yards component parts.