AirSpace Braddock

The AirSpace program in Braddock, took the form of Eco Equation – a solar and wind-powered art installation by local artist/inventor David Edwards. The piece celebrates the role of clean energy sources, such as solar and wind power, in keeping the air we breathe clean and healthy. The installation was added to a vacant lot along that recently became home to the Braddock Fit Park. The project included outreach and community engagement with local groups such as the Wilkinsburg Youth Project and Woodland Hills Afterschool Program.

This project was supported by the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) and the Clean Air Fund.

 

AirSpace was conceived with the intent to leverage existing relationships Grounded (formerly GTECH) has with communities across Allegheny County to address environmental health disparities and injustices. Grounded and partner organizations worked to increase awareness around environmental health disparities, particularly around air, but also water and soil quality,  through creative messaging, customized education and outreach, and public signage on vacant lots in strategic and visible locations. With these efforts, Grounded and AirSpace partners fostered an engaged citizenry with a working knowledge and literacy to further address air quality and environmental health challenges.

Grounded and GASP (Group Against Smog and Pollution) worked to identify four priority communities based on vulnerability and exposure to poor air quality, economic disinvestment, and other environmental liabilities. Throughout 2017 and 2018, we focused AirSpace efforts in those 4 communities; Clairton, McKeesport, Wilkinsburg, and Braddock. In each community, Grounded worked with partner organizations, residents, community partners, and artists to:

1)  Identify the needs and priorities of residents with respect to environmental health hazards

2)  Identify existing programs and events in each community with which to focus outreach efforts

3)  Provide educational workshops and events around identified environmental health issues

4)  Implement education and art/signage installations on vacant lots