Street Projects
Streets are the communal public rights of way that bind communities together. Attractive healthy streetscapes foster healthy communities and vice-versa. In many parts of the Industrial District, the streets, for a variety of reasons are unattractive and unhealthful (some times scandalously so).
Mosaic decorated trash can by Keep Oakland Beautiful
IDG seeks to upgrade the quality of life on the streets which will eventually include shade trees, public art, and attractive street furniture. In downtown LA's Industrial District, street level infrastructure is lacking especially where residential populations are concentrated.
These benches in Japan were designed by Architect Caesar Pelli and Associates
Combining public seating and tree protection, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership of New York
We also intend to support public art for downtown's Industrial District. The pictures below are ideas from which we are taking inspiration. According to Linda Slodki of the Mt. Airy Art Garage, the arts are a highly cost-effective way of driving economic revitalization in urban areas.
Dan Rosenfeld, in an article from The Atlantic Cities entitled "The Financial Case for Public Art" (May 28, 2012) states that "the intangible benefits of public art—aesthetic beauty, cultural interpretation, education, inspiration, and general improvement of the urban environment—are well-known. But because these are considered 'soft' benefits, they are sometimes dismissed as a low priority, especially during challenging economic times. However, experiences in Los Angeles show that public art can be a source of publicity and cash income, as well as beauty."
Publci art by Emeryville artist Vickie Jo Sowell installed at Fire Station #2
Artist Tom Fruin‘s “Watertower” makes use of salvaged materials in Brooklyn, NY
This "painted intersection" in Seattle Washington is from Oregon’s City Repair