Archinect - News

Third Friday of September Celebrates Parking Day

2017-09-15T15:06:00-04:00

Since 2005, when John Bela and his collaborators(Blaine Merker, and Matthew Passmore) installed the first Park(ing) intervention on a drab street in downtown San Francisco, the idea has gone on to enliven countless blocks around the world, and to enlighten countless urbanites, who get to enjoy spaces normally reserved for stationary cars.

Parking Day advocates since 2005 for public access and alternative uses of parking space in cities. This now world wide event transforms parking spots into ephemeral public spaces every year on the third Friday of September. Projects include micro parks, installations by architects and artists, urban farming, bike repair stations and coffee shops.

This map shows the locations of Parking Day 2017.

More articles on the politics of parking on Archinect:

11th annual "Parking Day" transforms parking spaces into public spaces

2015-09-18T00:04:00-04:00

In 2005, the now defunct Rebar placed coins in a San Francisco parking meter not to park a car but to erect a small public park. Every third Friday in September since then, activists worldwide who wish to foster a conversation about the lack of public space have been transforming parking spaces into everything from greenery to art installations to places for wedding ceremonies. This September 18th, potential participants are encouraged to download the Parking Day Manifesto, which is a how-to-guide on transforming that slab of asphalt into an engaging public space.

IKEA joins Park(ing) Day

2013-08-08T13:28:00-04:00

As noticed on page 30 of their 2014 catalog, IKEA references parking day in this a fun new video. Park(ing) Day, for those that don't know, is an annual parklet concept, turning parking spaces into gathering places on a more permanent basis. Park(ing) Day 2013 will happen on Sept. 20 worldwide.

Miami Park(ing) Day A Success, Co-Sponsor Arrested

2011-09-19T14:54:50-04:00

Welcome to Miami – a city where civic advocacy and forward thinking can land you in jail if you’re not careful. Friday’s TransitMiami Park(ing) Day 2011 was a huge success; hundreds of visitors came out throughout the day to enjoy downtown Miami’s newest temporary pop-up park. Working in collaboration with the Miami Parking Authority, we transformed 10 on-street parking spaces into a tree-lined, shaded park, complete with moveable chairs, and a solar-powered mobile wifi hot...