In the summer of 2008, Bridgeport Design Group was retained by Pequonnock River Partners to evaluate the development potential of several tracts of underutilized land on the Pequonnick River in Bridgeport, CT (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgeport,_Connecticut).
It quickly became apparent that the city's entire riverfront, defined by industrial remnants dating back to the 19th century, needed to be revisioned and redefined in a manner which would make it, once again, central and meaningful to the people and the commerce of the city.
This blog addresses this question of redefining the city's riverfront. What type of city does Bridgeport need to become to fulfill its potential as a center of life, culture, and commerce in the 21st century? What role does the river, now neglected for half a century, have to play in such a city?
On our website (www.bridgeportdesign.com) you will find some of the fruits of our thought and work - and we will continue to post new thoughts and works in progress there, as well. We recognize, however, that city building is an endeavor which requires the engagement of the entire community. We welcome your thoughts, input, criticism, and participation.
We believe that Bridgeport has the potential to become an internationally recognized example of urban rebirth, of a sustainable 21st century city - healthy, and at ease in its place on this small planet. Help us to realize that vision.
Renew Bridgeport.
We believe that, as a society, we can do a whole lot better building our towns and cities, as well as the buildings in which we live - and protecting the natural environment that sustains us, to boot. Building beautiful, healthy places is not something that happens by itself, it is a choice we need to make.
We believe that our dependence on fossil, carbon-based, fuels is both an unhealthy bad habit and a dead-end. It is, above all, unnecessary. We have the knowledge and wherewithal to build buildings, towns and cities that are carbon-neutral, healthy, and beautiful.
We reject the belief that there is a trade-off between beautiful, energy-neutral development and economic development and financial feasibility. On the contrary, we believe our economic future relies on such development.
Driving all of our work is an unwavering desire to create something lasting and beautiful.
