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.
• Kottke highlights Ron Gabriel’s video – 3-way Street – a look at bad interactions between cars, bikes, and pedestrians at a typical NYC street intersection. It offers a visually interesting perspective on the ways modes interact and conflict.
• Artist Candy Chang shares some notes on her recent public space project, Before I Die. With permission from the building’s owner, Chang’s chalkboard invited citizens to share their preferred ending to the sentence “before I die…”. Says Chang of her project, “I believe the design of our public spaces can better reflect what’s important to us as residents and as human beings.”
• GOOD contributing editor Ben Jervey draws party lines on the US government’s approach to mass transit. Jervey notes strong alignment in support for mass transit funding with urban congressional districts and Democratic representatives.
• Helter skelter in the summer swelter. Spacing reader, Spire Skyscraper, thinks Grand Rapids looks stunning in this rendition of American Pie. Mr. Skyscraper would like to know what you think of Grand Rapids? And if you were to shoot a 10 minute “lipdub” in your Canadian town, what public space would you use?