
Eastie Farm Americorps service member Lanika Sanders measures herself against 2070 flood levels
Do you think you can walk along the Greenway in 2070? What about 2030?
If you are wondering why we are asking this question, go check out FutureWATERS|AGUASfuturas, the bold and beautiful installation that brings art and science together on the East Boston Greenway asap, showing two anticipated flood levels, the 2030 and the 2070. Without any additional efforts, this will be our reality.

The blue balls change color with temperature. There are also dynamic elements of the art (motion sensitive illumination in the dark).

Climate Change and its consequences are a significant threat for the young.
The blue balls that you see mounted on the chicken wire mesh change color with temperature, and serve as a visual reminder of the already occurring erratic weather patterns and warming trend that can be attributed to climate destabilization.

The installation is interactive. Motion sensors trigger battery (solar powered) operated wavy illumination.

FutureWATERS|AGUASfuturas is located at the Marginal Street end of the East Boston Greenway, easily accessible by walk from Maverick Station on the MBTA blue line. The display will be up until the first week of December 2018.
FutureWATERS|AGUASfuturas was designed by Carolina Aragon, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, University of Massachusetts. The data to determine the anticipated water levels was supplied by the Woodshole Group, UMass Boston SSL (Sustainable Solutions Lab), and UMass Boston School of Environment. Gretchen Robinkin of Boston Society of Landscape Architecture coordinated and supported the process from conception to implementation. The design, material, and installation costs are paid for by the Friends of East Boston Greenway, from the Barr Foundation‘s Waterfront Partnership program grant.

Carolina Aragon is the brain behind FutureWATERS|AGUASfuturas (Photo credit: Rudi Seitz)
Carolina Aragon, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, University of Massachusetts, is the brain behind FutureWATERS/AGUASfuturas (Photo credit: Rudi Seitz)
Gretchen Robinkin of Boston Society of Landscape Architects puts up the signs explaining the science behind the art. BSLA has been involved in the work from conception to implementation.
Several members of the East Boston community were involved in making and installing the art.
FutureWATERS|AGUASfuturas installation on the East Boston Greenway
FutureWATERS|AGUASfuturas installation on the East Boston Greenway
East Boston community members assisting the art team
East Boston community members assisting the art team
Members of the community have been stopping by and observing the installation day and night. One resident remarked, “This is shocking. I’d like to know what we can do about it.”

Eagle Hill resident expresses shock after observing the art and reading the explanation. “This is shocking!”

The Eastie for Eastie team working on Managed Retreat (a proactive plan for dealing with unlivable waterfront areas) observing the anticipated 2030 flood levels.