redirecting everyday life

We spoke of how the people use pre-designed spaces for alternative purposes (food markets, shop displays). Why is this happening? Is it because the people have no designated space to do the actions they want, so they use the spaces that are unused? Or perhaps it is because the existing spaces cannot be used successfully for their intended purpose? Either way, I think that the solution is to provide the people with usable spaces that they can perform their everyday tasks in. Instead of completely changing their everyday lives, provide people with new ways to experience the actions that they were going to do anyway.

 

A group of "social architects" in Milwaukee (called NEWaukee) tackle the problem of how design can affect every day life and social connection. Through delicate interventions into public spaces, they reshape previously designed spaces that are "unsuccessful in [their] public presence." 

Postman's Park; an awkward, triangular lot featured a historic monument, but no visitors.  NEWaukee responded with four interventions that took regular, everyday tasks (eating lunch, meeting with others, sending mail, walking by) and redirected people to preform these same tasks, but in a socially charged way. Visitors to the park are now encouraged to interact with the environment and the community, while still performing their everyday tasks. In addition, the spaces are designed to be flexible and allow for impromptu classrooms, encourage food trucks and are educational. It is an example of a small, but effective way that designers can gently shape everyday life without large, strategic projects.