Boston prides itself as being a walkable city. And it should, it's the fourth highest ranking city in the country for walkability. But that's only by the numbers. The number of amenities within walking distance doesn't equate to what's actually happening on the streets. It doesn't take into account the people, the community, or the basic infrastructure available to the residents. This means people aren't as active on the streets, and aren't aware of some of the issues facing Boston today. Introducing the B-LOOP, a proposal for an elevated pathway that allows pedestrians to take ownership of their city through the power of walking.

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Two segments are integrated into the city's infrastructure: water and energy. Through each system, people can make an impact as they move, whether it be powering the streetlights along the pathway, or becoming engaged with water filtration and distribution through the city. By creating temporary "workers" of the city, pedestrians become more engaged as they do the simplest task: move. Not only does the elevated structure become integral to the city infrastructure, but the pedestrians gain a heightened awareness of the problems facing Boston, and how even the easiest methods can contribute in the smallest way. 

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https://issuu.com/claire.gagliardi/docs/5_furgiuele-gagliardi.thesis19