Beyond Walls, the nonprofit arts organization responsible for the murals that have beautified many buildings and bridges in Lynn, has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects for a series of designs, among them the lighting projects under two railroad bridges in downtown Lynn.
“It feels nice to be recognized,” said Al Wilson, CEO and founder of Beyond Walls. “The calls we’ve gotten from other architects and engineers have made me realize this is very special. I’m not an architect, but as far as parties that pay attention to urban design and city planning, this is a big deal.
“The stories that come out of Lynn are just so special,” he said. “And it’s good to be able to take an artistic lens to solve a challenge.”
In partnership with the Boston architectural firm “Payette,” Beyond Walls helped design five projects, also known as interventions, and was recognized by the AIA for regional and urban design.
“Exploring how designers can activate connection through multiple interventions in the built environment, this project, a pro bono effort, rallied the citizens of Lynn around art as a vital source of public engagement and civic improvement,” the AIA said. “To realize this, the (Payette) team partnered with Beyond Walls, a collection of engaged citizens, to develop five distinct interventions.
“The emergence of COVID-19 prompted the two most recent, but all together they have significantly strengthened the connection between Lynn’s citizens and their physical environment, while providing the corollary effects of enhanced safety and walkability.”
Beyond Walls began its mural project in 2016, when the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency made Lynn the focus of its Districts in Development initiative. The effort highlighted several improvement opportunities that could be implemented quickly, with the goal of attracting new investment.
The following year, with MassDevelopment’s recommendations as a guide, the team began activating three of Lynn’s shadowy underpass spaces with dynamic LED lighting installations. Easily the most ambitious of all of the interventions, the 16,000 square feet of lighting required careful coordination with regulatory agencies and dozens of designers and tradespeople.
The lighting has transformed those spaces from dark and dangerous to a visual representation of the city’s spirit and ambition, the AIA said. The $1.2 million project was funded entirely by gifts, grants, and in-kind donations.
The bridge project, called “Lynn Lights,” was one of five Beyond Walls projects to be recognized. The others are “Street Art,” which encompassed all the paintings and murals around the city; “Retro Lights,” a series of old-fashioned neon-lit signs from old businesses that existed in the city; “Wash,” which consisted of hand-washing stations; and “Fold,” which was Beyond Walls’ contribution to the barriers put up so that restaurants in Lynn could have outdoor seating during the COVID pandemic.
