Architectural and Interior Design,
Arts Planning and Cultural Programming
Johnston Square Digital Equity Hub
The Vision: Create a space with free internet access and helpful programming.
The ReBuild Johnston Square Community Association identified digital equity as a priority in their 2020 Vision Plan for residents who would otherwise lack connectivity or the necessary tech skills.
“Johnston Square will work to write a new story about using responsive technology investments — acknowledging that broadband remains the most transformative technology of our generation.”
— Johnston Square 2020 Vision Plan
What does digital equity mean?
The Plan: Leverage Mt. Sinai Baptist Church new high-speed fiber network.
ReBUILD Johnston Square, in collaboration with ReBUILD Metro and Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, got to work envisioning a Digital Equity Hub for the Johnston Square community. The project received funding from the Robert W Deutsch Foundation, as well as a Maryland Digital Inclusion Grant to implement the project. The Neighborhood Design Center offered design support.
We designed an indoor learning lab within Mt. Sinai.
NDC put consideration into elements such as:
In addition to conceptual renderings, NDC provided precedent imagery to inspire furnishings and interior design. We assisted in the coordination of furniture orders for the interior space, and made tech recommendations.
The Hub celebrated its grand opening in July 2024!
In addition the the learning lab, we envisioned a way to bring the internet outside: improving an exterior space to offer a charging station and free wifi for all.
Rev William Brown Park is a beautiful open space adjacent to the church. We designed improvements to the park to allow for use of the public broadband.
