Students in University of Hartford’s ARC 521, Architectural Design Studio II, spent the semester reimagining the future of Bloomfield’s town center through a comprehensive master-planning project titled “Bloomfield Town Center – Mobility, Civic Space & Urban Form.”
Over several weeks, students conducted site analysis, developed drawing and modeling collages, studied architectural precedents, and created multiple iterations of civic-focused master plans. Their proposals explored improvements to mobility infrastructure, public space networks, mixed-use development, and the evolving civic identity of Bloomfield.
The semester culminated with student presentations at Bloomfield Town Hall on March 11, offering a meaningful opportunity to share the work within the civic setting that inspired it and to connect architectural education with real community dialogue.
The studio team expressed pride in the students’ creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit throughout the project. They also extended thanks to Anthony C. Harrington, mayor of Bloomfield, and Nicholas Gabuzda for engaging with the students’ proposals and supporting the presentation. Appreciation was also shared for faculty colleagues Daniel Horowitz and William Richter, whose guidance and architectural insight helped shape the design process.
Working on a community so close to campus made the project especially meaningful, contributing new ideas to the ongoing conversation about Bloomfield’s civic future.