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.
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.
We came across this little act in life’s play the other week. It’s nice to see these scenearnos because they tend to reinforce much of Citysquared’s philosophy. The fitment of these standard Sheffield bike stands has serendipitously created the perfect place for this couple to pause, light up and have a face to face chat. More… »
One of the themes that has been running through much of our research is the make up of social groupings within the urban environment. We are interested in this because there is a clear connection between the physical environment and the nature of the relationship that its occupants enjoy. The photo above illustrates one of the noticeable traits More… »
Whilst undertaking some recent research for a large transport company it occurred to me that people waiting at bus stops were often faced with a dilemma. It seems that there is a cognitive balancing act that takes place which determines where and how you wait for your bus. More… »
couple on bench group on steps
