Bollards are booming since the 9/11 bombings in the United States and more recent vehicular terrorism in London (and elsewhere). Bollards and other defensive architecture may protect buildings and sidewalks from vehicles, but they typically don’t encourage people to come … Continue reading
From Medium: A Q & A with Meghan Talarowski about why London playgrounds are more active and draw more adults than in the USA: The playgrounds are much more open-ended. They also have riskier, more adventurous elements, like giant tree … Continue reading
As Minnesotans know, the end of winter brings green leaves and potholes. Fixing potholes and repairing sidewalks are important Spring tasks, but in the meantime perhaps we might simply enjoy them with The Pothole Gardener.
As someone who is only temporarily middle-aged, I’m hoping to live in a place where being old is not made more difficult by my built environment. Northfield might be that place by the time I get old. The Northfield City … Continue reading
Back in 2013, I posted about a couple of fun urban slides, and here’s another one. The ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture created by Anish Kapoor for the London Olympics in 2012 is going to get funner in 2016 by adding a slide: Peter … Continue reading
Now that it is getting Springy in Northfield, thoughts turn to flowers, getting outside, and enjoying public spaces. Here’s a way to get it all: I’m thinking they’d look lovely in Bridge Square, along the Cannon River, scattered in parks … Continue reading
Sarah Goodyear doesn’t want us to have fun. She complains fun urban tricks like swings, slides and games are “dangerously beside the point” of making cities safer, cleaner and more livable. I think this criticism misses the point. Swings and … Continue reading
Play is important for learning, exercise, community-building, and fun. Although one can play pretty much anywhere, some places just invite a bit more playful interaction. So here’s the PlayScapes competition to choose a design to recycle a not very good … Continue reading
Thanks to my architect friend, Steve for this more contemplative installment of fun urbanism: animals in/on/near Helsinki architecture
British football fans may soon be able to have more fun than just the game at St. James Park in Newcastle. Slides from the stadium seating 53,000 to the parking area and train station are planned and waiting for approval. Utrecht’s … Continue reading