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Evolutionary Infrastructure: Boston's Back Bay Fens

The Back Bay was a planned district, the result of a massive 19th c. landflll operation of over 800 acres. It was also part of a comprehensive urban design and coordinated set of infrastructures: sewers, streets, water supply, flood control, planting, lighting, lot layouts, and sculpture. As it has evolved, the Back Bay has continued to play important important roles in the design of the city of Boston—roles that have continually evolved and whose expression has been diverse, layered, complex, and exciting. This portion of the project chronicles that change. The lessons are important for understanding not only the historical development of Boston but also for guiding the future urban design efforts of other cities.

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Back Bay Fens