Park(ing) Day is an international event that sees the reclaiming of hundreds of parking spots in scores of cities around the world, which are transformed into relaxing public spaces for one day out of the year.
Campaigning for livable, people-friendly streets, people are turning city parking spaces into human hangouts for the day, giving local residents a spot of green relief from all the asphalt. The goal is also to start a conversation about what public space is and how it should be used; focusing on urban planning topics such as urban foraging, water issues and the importance of open/green space for city dwellers.
Parking Day is organized by artists, architects, planners, advocates, and citizens who are working together to make an argument for more people-friendly use of urban public space.
It all began in October 2005, when the group Transportation Alternatives took over a parking space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. They created their first 'parking spot squat,' which offered free bike parking and a place to sit and talk to friends.
Reclaiming Paved Paradise
Parking Day Redefines Public Spaces
Trend Themes
1. Park(ing) Day - The growth of Park(ing) Day demonstrates an opportunity for urban planners and designers to incorporate more green spaces into cities.
2. People-friendly Cities - The popularity of Park(ing) Day highlights the need for more people-friendly cities, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to create new products and services that cater to these cities.
3. Urban Planning Conversations - The conversations sparked by Park(ing) Day provide an opportunity for urban planners, policymakers, and citizens to work together to create more livable and sustainable cities.
Industry Implications
1. Urban Planning - The growth of Park(ing) Day opens up new opportunities for urban planning firms to incorporate more green spaces and people-friendly features into cities.
2. Architecture - As more cities embrace the Park(ing) Day concept, architects will have the opportunity to design new public spaces that are people-friendly and sustainable.
3. Sustainability - Park(ing) Day is just one example of many sustainability initiatives that could inspire new innovation in industries such as renewable energy, green transportation, and waste reduction.