Inspired by Life between buildings by Jan Gehl – 1971.
Here, two neighbors meet: a quick hello – the rain is coming down and lighting is sketchy. One is carrying a large packet, the other has tired legs from walking all day. The almost-meeting ends before it has a chance to begin. The people were there but the conditions were wrong.
What if: There had been a small roof protecting them from the rain coming down, a dry platform the right height to place a package, to lean against, to sit upon? Lighting making them both feel more at ease? A pocket of earth that collected rainwater, where seeds had sprouted – attracting a bee?
All around me I notice things that may have been. In these times of deeper and deeper individualisation, and separation from experience of being part of nature, can our public spaces support more meetings? What type of support do the spaces require to be able to provide opportunity?
JENNY ÖVERGAARD 