Playground folklore always suggests that bike sheds are ‘multi functional’ public spaces. Far from being a simple store for teenage transport they are often represented as a centre for experimentation, and the building of illicit experience. Judging by this image, the social interaction is much more akin to an old fashioned school disco, with at least four bike stands acting as chaperon. The body language also suggests that there is only one person in charge of this situation. Sitting with a certain amount of elegance and comfort on a standard bike stand is quite and achievement.
This strange object can be found just outside of St Pauls Cathedral in London. When I first saw it I assumed it had arrived from Gotham City and would light up the night sky when Batman’s assistance was required, but obviously there is another reason for it being there. It looks like it might once have held a sign, but perhaps it is also there to prevent access to the corner of the wall. This might be to deter rough sleeping or as an anti urinal device. It may also have some kind of symbolic signifigance. If anyone has any further suggestions please let me know, it’s driving me mad.
To say that I tripped over this the other day would be incorrect but it did attract my attention. I have been looking for a reason to post it on the Blog but I finally had to accept that in truth, I’m only pandering to my inner aesthetic nerd. I loved the shape and the apparent triumph of form over function, and to be frank, the complete ball ache that cutting the shape into the paving must be made me smile.
As with many things it was reassuring to discover that I’m not the only one to fall under the spell of such mundane objects, the links below reassured me of my sanity, slightly.
In a previous post ‘go play in the street’ I looked at the spontaneous use of street furniture as unintentional play structures. I also promised to post any further examples that may be of interest. Well we happened to be in the right place at the right time to capture this short clip. I suppose if it looks like a slide, slides like a slide then it’s going to be used as a slide. It was a fair drop to the pavement should things go wrong, fortunately they didn’t, at least, not while we were watching.
The use of a mobile phone within the street has become such a common sight that we almost ignore it. Our ability to divide our attention adequately enough to hold a phone conversation and navigate through the hustle and bustle of the high street has been readily adapted from simply walking with a friend. More… »
