In some areas of Japan, they cover their manholes with beautifully designed one-of-a-kind covers.
This isn't limited to one or two pieces, either.
The Asian trend is covered on a number of web sites. In fact, a search on Google images will result in all the manhole covers you can handle.
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Implications - The development of decorative pieces to be used in the streets during daily life is a way for certain areas to add a more attractive, upbeat element to their citizens' daily lives. This is seen everywhere from the painting of houses in Rio de Janeiro to covering manholes with art in Japan.
Manhole Covers as Art
Japanese Manholes
Trend Themes
1. Artistic Manholes - Creating one-of-a-kind manhole covers with beautiful designs to add aesthetic value to public spaces.
2. Urban Public Art - Introducing art installations in urban public spaces to uplift and bring a sense of community pride and beauty.
3. Functional Art - Integrating beauty and art into everyday functional structures to create positive impacts on the daily experiences of people.
Industry Implications
1. Urban Design - Designing public spaces, including manhole covers, with artistic elements to improve the aesthetic value of cities and promote tourism.
2. Public Art - Creating and installing public art installations, including decorative manhole covers, to enrich public spaces and increase the cultural value of cities.
3. Construction - Collaborating with artists and designers to create functional, yet aesthetically pleasing, structures and installations for public use.