#smolarczyk

U-12a is a code for a modular sidewalk barrier in Polish traffic regulations. The purpose of these devices is to reduce the dangers to which a pedestrian or a cyclist is exposed using the road and its facilities. Although the intention of using barriers was the well-being of pedestrians, they have in fact become a symbol of the appropriation of cities by cars and poor urban design. Sidewalk barriers have become so widespread and misused that they have become the focus of media attention and are being fought by urban activists countrywide. U12A is a set of furniture designed by SUPERGUT STUDIO made from U-12a barriers. Simple, easy to dismantle and durable U-12a barrier, consisting of a steel pipe post to which an oval span is attached, is a perfect construction base for a wide range of furniture. U12A is an open source design project. Rather than creating a product that has to be manufactured and shipped, we share the knowledge how to make it yourself for a fraction of a cost. The library of assembly instructions is available: www.supergutstudio.pl

fot. Brain Damage Gallery

The essence of the Breathe-in/Breathe-out installation throbbing in line with human’s breathing is creating an illusion of synchronization between the neon light (element of the city) and the human organism (the city’s inhabitant). The idea is to direct the installation’s influence at a single recipient and his individual sense of “here and now”. This specific humanism manifesto in the city space is intended to draw attention to living quality issues and to the needs of it’s inhabitants. Pace of life, air quality, accessibility and attractiveness of green areas are the issues, which will need to be approached seriously regarding demographic trends and depopulation processes. Breathe-in/Breathe-out is therefore also a kind of memento mori for Łódź. Breathe-in/Breathe-out – as long as there are people, also the city exists.

The essence of the Breathe-in/Breathe-out installation throbbing in line with human’s breathing is creating an illusion of synchronization between the neon light (element of the city) and the human organism (the city’s inhabitant). The idea is to direct the installation’s influence at a single recipient and his individual sense of “here and now”. This specific humanism manifesto in the city space is intended to draw attention to living quality issues and to the needs of it’s inhabitants. Pace of life, air quality, accessibility and attractiveness of green areas are the issues, which will need to be approached seriously regarding demographic trends and depopulation processes. Breathe-in/Breathe-out is therefore also a kind of memento mori for Łódź. Breathe-in/Breathe-out – as long as there are people, also the city exists.

fot. Maciej Stempij