Each week we will be focusing on blogs from around the world dealing specifically with urban environments. We’ll be on the lookout for websites outside the country that approach themes related to urban experiences and issues.
• The Guardian‘s Jane Madembo offers a moving portrait of the role of the bicycle in liberating her from the ordeals of Harare’s public transit system.
• ArchiCentral shares the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of the most endangered places in the US. Among the sites at risk: John Coltrane’s house in Dix Hills, NY; China Alley, CA; Bear Butte Meade County, SD.
• Pop-up stores are a low cost way for companies to test out a location temporarily. In New York, public health and transportation advocates are appropriating the model to increase physical activity in low-income areas. Pop-up playgrounds shut down streets temporarily to provide play space and recreation facilities to children who need it most. (NYT)
• Copenhagenize has a great list of the city’s top bicycle monuments. The sculptures celebrate the commutes of cyclists to and from the city’s largest factory, a female cyclist weathervane, and a cycling fountain!
• A series of US cities are participating icon design charettes under the title Iconathons. Through collaborative workshops, citizens will be involved in developing symbols for important civic concepts such as services and spaces.
Image from Copenhagenize
Do you have a World Wide Wednesday worthy article you’d like to share? Send the link to www@spacing.caWorld Wide Wednesday: Cycling monuments, Endangered places, Pop-Up Playgrounds