Module 1: CityLab Launch
How has Baltimore’s Inner Harbor shaped the city’s identity and economy over time, and what role does it play today in connecting historic places like Lexington and Cross Street Markets to the city’s evolving sense of community and place?
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor stands as both the city’s birthplace and its mirror- reflecting layers of commerce, culture, and community transformation. Once a bustling industrial port, it has evolved into a civic and symbolic center that connects neighborhoods, stories, and livelihoods across the city. Through field observation, mapping, and ethnographic walks along the waterfront, I aim to understand how this area continues to shape Baltimore’s sense of place and belonging. The harbor’s proximity to historic markets like Lexington and Cross Street Market illustrates how water, trade, and human interaction intertwine to define the city’s livability. This fieldwork will explore how Baltimore’s waterfront functions not just as geography, but as a living narrative of resilience, connection, and urban identity.