In cities around the globe today, artists, activists and citizens will temporarily transform metered parking spaces into public parks and other social spaces, as part of an annual event called “PARK(ing) Day.”
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Originally invented in 2005 by Rebar, a San Francisco-based art and design studio, PARK(ing) Day challenges people to rethink the way streets are used and reinforces the need for broad-based changes to urban infrastructure. “In urban centers around the world, inexpensive curbside parking results in increased traffic, wasted fuel and more pollution,” says Rebar’s Matthew Passmore. “The strategies that generated these conditions are not sustainable, nor do they promote a healthy, vibrant human habitat. PARK(ing) Day is about re-imagining the possibilities of the urban landscape.”

Locally, HMC Architects is participating for the second consecutive year. Their concept is to create a community garden, made almost entirely of recycled office materials. Used drawing tubes filled with planters of herbs, vegetables, and flowers, will be shaped into a rolling landscape. Visitors will be encouraged to take a plant home to grown in their own urban garden.

“HMC believes in responsible, environmentally sensitive urban planning and design, and is excited to once again be participating in PARK(ing) Day,” says Chris Taylor, managing principal for HMC Architects Los Angeles.

PARK(ing) Day is a grassroots, “open-source” invention built by independent groups around the globe who adapt the project to champion creative, social or political causes that are relevant to their local urban conditions. A global map of all participating cities are available on the PARK(ing) Day website.