Interwoven is a community-designed space located in Garrett Park, South Baltimore. Created by The Urban Conga, the project provides an open-ended, programmable space for residents to connect, reflect, and envision a brighter future for their neighborhood. This initiative was born out of the community’s desire to address issues of drug abuse, gun violence, and pollution, creating a space that encourages hope and conversation.
Interwoven, a community-driven project in South Baltimore, Maryland, embodies the power of collaborative design to address complex challenges and foster hope. Located in Garrett Park, the open-ended space serves as a gathering place for residents to engage in dialogue, observation, and reflection. 
The Urban Conga, a Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary design studio, spearheaded this project in collaboration with the Brooklyn neighborhood, a community grappling with issues like drug abuse, gun violence, and pollution. The design team’s journey began by listening to the concerns and aspirations of the residents. They heard stories of fear, pollution, and the impact of violence, recognizing the need for a space that could offer a sense of refuge and inspiration. 
The project’s focus was on fostering positive change and showcasing the community’s resilience. Workshops were conducted throughout the design process, gathering insights and stories from residents, ensuring that Interwoven truly reflected their desires. Play methodologies were integrated to create a safe and comfortable environment for residents to share their experiences.
The space itself consists of four stepped seating structures strategically positioned to offer views of different areas of the neighborhood and the city. Each structure is equipped with prompts designed to initiate conversations and reflections on the neighborhood’s challenges and aspirations. The prompts encourage viewers to consider what they dream, hear, see, and feel about their surroundings.
Interwoven’s design prioritizes a calming environment, employing curved forms and vibrant colors. The ground mural serves as a playful space, encouraging community members to engage in open-ended games. The dichroic portals, constructed at various heights, allow people of all ages and abilities to experience the reflective nature of the space. Sustainability was at the forefront of the project, with the structures crafted from recyclable aluminum materials and a sustainable epoxy coating used for the mural.
Interwoven’s success lies in its ability to create a space where the community can come together, share their stories, and envision a brighter future. The project demonstrates the potential of collaborative design to address complex societal issues and empower communities to take ownership of their spaces.
Project Information:
Architects: The Urban Conga
Location: South Baltimore, Maryland
Year: 2023
Photography: (Photographer’s Name)
