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What is ENfold?

ENfold Evans Way was a 500 foot long glowing ribbon extending throughout Evans Way park adjacent to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Enfold was built to commemorate the signing of the Fenway as one of Boston’s first cultural districts. The temporary piece was commissioned in 2012 by the Fenway Alliance as part of a larger Boston public programming initiative including community interest groups, private institutions and local government.

ENfold was made of light-weight, semi-translucent, garden bed-liner fabric wrapping a network of tensioned stainless steel cable stretched between existing park trees. The overall form of the installation is defined by the site. Trees, circulation patterns, open space and other environmental conditions -- including prevailing wind direction-- helped to generate the most efficient layout. A basic nylon strapping fastening system carefully held the 500 foot ribbon in place while protecting tree bark and other delicate plant material. When ENfold was removed 100% of it was recycled and the garden bed-liner fabric was given to the Boston Natural Areas Network for the 2013 growing season.

The natural environment defines the overall form of the ENfold installation. The location and angle of each connection point was determined by the branching character of the large maple and oak trees that provided support for the piece. Working with this variety of different connection points allowed us to build a dynamic undulating, folding form.

ENfold became a stage for a number of community programs. Sections of the installation hosted large-scale nature-inspired artwork designed by children as part of work shops with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. ENfold also served as the backdrop for a number of performances and activities including martial arts, tae kwon do and a brazilian drumming band.

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