Lincoln, Nebraska isn't known for being a hub of creativity or for recycling waste materials, which is why Garth Britzman opted to design a striking parking canopy entirely out of 1,500 used soda bottles. Named Pop Culture, this brilliant installation is comprised of hundreds of plastic bottles hanging from thread of different lengths, and filled at the bottom with different colored water. The installation calls attention to our consumer 'pop' culture and the urgent need to recycle our mass-produced goods.

Britzman and University of Nebraska students put a total of 200 hours into this project, which received financial support from Fulbright Canada and the University College of Architecture. The bottles together form a bright, undulating parking canopy that is not only practical but also very attractive.

When the project was complete, 11 students helped to move the canopy into place at 5.45am! This is such a fantastic project – simple but also eye-opening – which will help local Nebraskans to rethink their consumer behavior both on campus and beyond.

+ Garth Britzman