DIY Softwalks Kits Let You Turn Ugly Scaffolding into Fun Pop-Up Parks!

New York certainly has no shortage of unsightly<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaffolding" target="_blank"> scaffolding</a> on its streets, but what if all of that unused area could be turned into mini pop-up parks? A green initiative called<a href="http://www.citysoftwalks.com/" target="_blank"> Softwalks</a> has come up with a way to use existing scaffolding as support stations for fun and lively modular public spaces using their awesome little <a href="http://www.citysoftwalks.com/kitofparts" target="_blank">DIY kits</a> that contain easy-to-build pieces such as a chair, a counter, and a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trellis_%28architecture%29" target="_blank">green trellis</a>. The components latch onto the metal beams to create simple impromptu hang-outs and rest stops for busy city dwellers, making the possibilities for sidewalk beautification endless.

The project's greatest aspect is that anyone can get involved. The kit pieces are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_design" target="_blank">modular </a>and lightweight, making them easy to install, take down, and reuse in new areas. The kits also create a public art activity, involving the community to brighten up their <a href="http://www.citysoftwalks.com/cityaslab" target="_blank">construction-heavy</a> areas.

Students were inspired by the <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/home/home.shtml" target="_blank">Department of Transportation's</a> amazing makeover of the city's traffic heavy areas into giant pedestrian walkways like in both Herald and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/new-report-shows-that-times-square-pedestrian-plazas-in-nyc-improved-our-air-quality/" target="_blank">Times Squares</a>.

The Softwalks initiative was born out of the<a href="http://www.newschool.edu/parsons/mfa-transdisciplinary-design/" target="_blank"> MFA Transdisciplinary Design</a> program at <a href="http://www.newschool.edu/parsons/" target="_blank">Parsons, The New School</a>.

The group banded together and created simple kits with chair pieces, a counter, a light fixture, a planter, and a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trellis" target="_blank">green trellis</a> that anyone can pick up and install onto the beams of their nearest <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaffolding" target="_blank">scaffolding</a>.

The initiative aims to transform nearly 6,000 construction sites, equalling 189 miles of covered sidewalk.

Whether its a coffee break spot or a new community garden, Softwalk allows anyone to activate a once drab sidewalk shed into a fun and functional public space.