This is Part 9 of a 10 Part Series, derived from my lecture at the Boston Architectural College Student Lecture Series “Just Futures”. My lecture was titled “The Power of Interior Design to Impact Positive Futures for People and Communities”. My message was that Interior Design has the power and responsibility to positively impact people, communities and their futures, that this can only be achieved through an equitable and inclusive design process, and that positive outcomes for people and communities are the measure of a successful design. I shared this message through stories of our partnerships with our clients and their communities. This is the story of the JAZZ URBANE CAFE
This is the story of Jazz Urbane Cafe, and it is a work in process. On this project, we are interior designers, collaborating with 42 Architecture. The space is a performance center and restaurant, and it will be a community space celebrating culture – through music, arts, food – and people!
When we first met the Jazz Urbane folks they shared this vision: “We are not just creating a place where people come to have an experience. We are creating a place that represents the hold and the thoroughlines of the history of artistic walking and meaning in our world”. As designers, we have the great privilege of translating this incredible vision into a physical space and experience for the community
The Jazz Urbane Cafe is located in the Bolling Building in Nubian Square. The building itself is a beacon, in the heart and center of Nubian Square and Boston. What more perfect a place to build this experience, in the center of Boston.
The design builds from the architecture of the building and the site – welcoming with open arms to the community. Once you enter the space, the feeling of embrace continues. The circular stage is centered, with dining seats and tables encircling.
We worked to curate a finish palette that welcomes you with warmth, a richness in hue & texture through upholsteries, and some elements of metal detailing through lighting. Space will tell the story of music and culture, to celebrate the stories of the past, and continue to make new stories. Through arts, artifacts, collections and rotating works from local artists. It’s going to be an amazing experience, with epic music and fabulous food
What I hope to see is musicians of all genres jamming in this space, and people dining on Chef Chris Faison’s creations. But maybe most importantly I hope to see people from all communities in Boston venturing over Melnea Cass Blvd, into Nubian square, perhaps for the first time, so that people in all communities can meet, mingle, and share the common bond of great music and food. That will be a success, so please visit and make it happen!
