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The right balance of function and classic style to enhance modern use of an iconic space.

Located in the Fenway neighborhood, the Christian Science Plaza is one of Boston's most recognizable sites with over 10-acres of open space including lawn, a vast public plaza, a reflecting pool and children's fountain. The plaza was designed in the 1970s by Architects I.M. Pei and Araldo Cosutta and in 2011 it was bestowed protective Landmark status by the Boston Landmarks Commission. 

The iconic plaza recently completed a comprehensive restoration and repair project to enhance the open space and improve environmental sustainability. IBI Group’s Placemaking practice in Boston led a multi-disciplinary consultant team for the revitalization of The Christian Science Plaza. 

Some of the aesthetic and functional improvements included:

• Preserving, repairing, and restoring the character-defining features of this landmark landscape

• Reconstructing the reflecting pool with an improved basin paving that will enhance reflectivity and four-season interest

• Making the Plaza entrances more welcoming

• Introducing amenities to extend year-round use

• Expanding seating opportunities

• Initiating extensive water conservation and management measures

Caroline McLaughlin, Assistant Property Manager for Colliers International (the organization that manages the plaza development), connected with Maglin Site Furniture seeking flexible table and seating solutions for the expansive hardscape that would also complement the plaza’s historic site design. Maglin’s Foro Series of tables and chairs offered the right balance of function and classic style to enhance the modern use of such an iconic space.

Maglin Site Furniture Territory Manager, Barbara Ritter expands on the value of moveable seating in the Christian Science Plaza, “It is a popular tourist destination in Boston, as well as a hub of the community for outdoor gathering in the city. The addition of moveable chairs and tables to the plaza expands the useable space and allows visitors to manage their group’s needs – whether a quick rest for an individual or space for a large family to take a break together. Foro tables and chairs were the right combination of sophisticated style with the benefit of being designed for heavy outdoor use.  The Foro collection is fabricated from steel, e-coated and powder coated to ward off rust -- they are built to stand up to Boston’s elements and activity!”

Visitors to Boston, and locals alike, flock to the Christian Science Plaza year-round to enjoy the peaceful space, relaxing while taking in the beautiful architecture and landscape design. Many have lifelong memories of quiet moments beside the reflecting pool or running through the fountain in warm weather. 

ABOUT MAGLIN SITE FURNITURE

Outside.  Inspired.

It was 1983 when Ian McAskile was inside crafting home furnishings and the inspiration struck: let’s take this outside.

He knew from extensive experience that the indoors just shows you walls, but the outdoors serves up the wonders – and those that want to make their exterior environment stunning and sustainable deserve to work with people with the same passion.

Enter Maglin (named after Ian’s daughters, Maggie and Lindsay), a site furniture company made to meet the need for contemporary outdoor amenities that are aesthetically pleasing while durable enough to thrive outdoors in all seasons. From benches, bollards, bike racks and receptacles to panels, planters, tables, chairs, custom projects and more — we strategically configure and thoughtfully customize adaptable solutions that will enhance any area.

Maglin continues to grow both as a company — offering new and expanding product lines in response to the needs of its clients, but also as a corporate citizen — building social consciousness into its operation; from supporting a variety of charitable causes, facilitating staff dialogue about diversity issues, to reevaluating our manufacturing process to strive for increasingly environmentally kind products.

CONNECT with Maglin Site Furniture’s Northeast Territory Manager: