Boston Society for Architecture partners with the Boston Housing Authority and AARP to Promote Community Connections Through Design of the Built Environment

As part of Massachusetts Good Neighbor Day, the BSA and partners created outdoor spaces for residents of the Doris Bunte Apartments in Roxbury to gather, connect and relax.

BOSTON, Oct. 16, 2025 — Housing is about much more than buildings—it is about home, community, health, resilience and equity. The design of buildings and the outdoor spaces that surround them deeply influences everyday experiences and is critically important to social connection. When the public and spatial designers work together in collaborative processes that celebrate many voices, they can create vibrant, sustainable community hubs.

The Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) recently partnered with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), AARP and residents of the Doris Bunte Apartments in Roxbury to celebrate Massachusetts Good Neighbor Day (September 28) by co-creating outdoor spaces for residents to gather, connect and relax with neighbors, friends and family. The new outdoor space features planters and greenery to bring warmth and color to the space, additional seating to accommodate socializing and resting, lighting for evening activities, and chess tables to encourage friendly play. The buildout and event were made possible by a grant from AARP.

“At its heart, this project is about care; care for one another and care for the places we share. Working alongside residents, we’ve learned that even small, temporary design gestures can build trust, spark joy, and offer insights that may shape lasting improvements across Boston’s public housing communities,” said Ben Peterson, Community Design Director at the BSA.

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve quality of life for Boston-area residents through equitable and sustainable design, the BSA applied for and was awarded an AARP Community Challenge grant, which funded this project.

“AARP is proud to fund local projects that help make communities more livable for people of all ages with our AARP Community Challenge,” said Jen Benson, AARP Massachusetts State Director. “In working with partners like the BSA and BHA on projects like Good Neighbor Day, we can help communities spark change and create opportunities for residents of all ages to engage in community life.”

At the unveiling event, the BSA and partners gathered real-time feedback showing residents of Doris Bunte were excited to continue caring for and using the newly activated site alongside neighbors. That feedback will inform the capital improvement project for the Doris Bunte Apartments led by Winslow Architects.

“Community engagement is critically important to address equity and sustainability in the built environment. We are happy to have another opportunity to get feedback from the residents and look forward to using it to help generate and shape ideas for the capital improvements project,” said John Winslow, President, Winslow Architects Inc.

The Good Neighbor Day project is one of many initiatives the BSA and its members participate in across Greater Boston. The nonprofit membership organization focuses on improving quality of life for Boston-area residents by championing innovation in the built environment, through K–12 programming, housing initiatives, policy and advocacy, and more.

“Projects like this one at Doris Bunte embody the BSA’s mission at its best,” said Paige Johnston, Senior Director, Programs & Impact, BSA. “By staying closely attuned to community priorities, we can mobilize our remarkable network of members and partners to create meaningful change—both now and for generations to come.”

For more information about the BSA and the BSA Foundation, visit architects.org or follow the BSA on LinkedIn (@boston-society-for-architecture) and Instagram (@bsaaia). Those interested are invited to attend the upcoming BSA Housing Innovation Symposium, which will bring together architects and designers, community residents, developers, policymakers, students, and advocates to explore design innovation amid financial, regulatory, and social constraints.

ABOUT THE BOSTON SOCIETY FOR ARCHITECTURE

The Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) is focused on improving the quality of life for Boston-area residents by championing innovation in the built environment, with particular emphasis on sustainability and social equity. The BSA connects a diverse network of more than 4,500 architects, firms and allied members through collaborative initiatives that create solutions toward a more equitable and sustainable future. The organization also advances these efforts philanthropically through donations and hands-on community work. The BSA is one of the oldest and largest chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). For more information, visit architects.org.

ABOUT AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for issues important to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families, including health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/ or www.aarp.org/español.

ABOUT WINSLOW ARCHITECTS

Winslow Architects Inc. is an architectural and planning firm that has specialized in the design and construction of context-sensitive, affordable multifamily housing for over 40 years. The firm embraces environmental sustainability and new technologies while balancing contemporary and contextual design. For more, visit winslowarchitects.com.

SOURCE: Boston Society for Architecture