The Placemaking Round-Up
A biweekly newsletter with public space news, resources, and opportunities.
The Biweekly Bazaar
A curated dispatch on all things public markets plus the latest announcements from the Market Cities Program.
A biweekly newsletter with public space news, resources, and opportunities.
A curated dispatch on all things public markets plus the latest announcements from the Market Cities Program.
Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.
In Portland, Oregon, a community organization called City Repair Project transforms ordinary intersections into vibrant public spaces. Working with communities and volunteers to paint giant murals onto intersections, they focus on turning car-centered roadways into lovable places. Two of the most impressive components of its Intersection Repair initiative are its quick results and cost effectiveness. As a first step in this Placemaking process, community members are invited to paint together, which helps to connect people from of different ages and walks of life in a project of co-creation. The resulting mural then turns the intersection into both a gathering place and a point of pride for the neighborhood, and it ultimately helps in calming traffic and making streets safer.
In 2011, a large-scale example of Intersection Repair took place at Holman and 8th in Portland, with a mural incorporating aspects of native wildlife as well as imagery from a favorite local activity--biking. The weekend-long painting event attracted over 100 participants and helped forge strong ties among neighbors. One of the primary objectives of the Intersection Repair initiative is to reclaim the street as a shared public space and as an important venue for local culture.
Photo credits, from left: Greg Raisman via Flickr, City Repair Project via their website, City Repair Project via their website, Greg Raisman via Flickr, Greg Raisman via Flickr, Greg Raisman via Flickr
Follow The City Repair Project
Website: cityrepair.org
Facebook: facebook.com/cityrepair
Twitter: @CityRepair
*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.
