In the 16th Century on the east coast of America, between New York and Boston, Bridgeport developed out of a settlement of Indians at the mouth of Pequonnock River. The city grew rapidly and became an important industrial site with a metal processing industry, machine production and arms industry. In 1950 the population reached a peak of 158 000 inhabitants. As a consequence of suburbanization and migration until now the population has now declined by about 13%. Bridgeport is shrinking…Bridgeport is sprawling…Bridgeport is perforated…Bridgeport is fragmented… What is possible for Bridgeport now after the American Dream of Suburbia and the decline of the industry has left a city in apathy? Is Suburbia the only possible way of living the American Dream? Can we hold on to this dream in the face of increasing gasoline prices? Does Bridgeport need a strong center, is it possible to give meaning to the void? How does the image of Bridgeport need to be transformed to become again a livable place? Are there particular characteristics that could help to put this place back on the map? Are our strategies and interventions able to generate something special? We are interested in radical questions that evoke strong images and concepts and that show ways of future development. …imagining Bridgeport.

Univ.- Prof. Sophie Wolfrum, Lehrstuhl für Städtebau und Regionalplanung (Hg.)
München 2010