Links to activating alleys from near and far.
SEATTLE
Alleys of Seattle Blog Chronicles Daniel Toole’s study of alleys around the world; Detroit, Chicago, Seattle, Japan, Melbourne, San Fransisco, Sydney, and Mount Vernon.
Seattle Integrated Alley Handbook University of Washington MLA students Jenny Hampton and Mary Fialko evaluated Seattle’s alley to assess their potential in having a more active role in the urban landscape. In this work the interns evaluated the built environment, potential biodiversity and ecosystem capacity and public life connections for alleys in 6 neighborhood case studies.
Seattle Clear Alleys Program Piloted in Seattle’s Pioneer Square to reduce dumpsters in alleys.
Alley Art Website for Nord Alley art installations and events.
Bohemian Backstreets Part of Seattle’s Columbia City Art Walk, the uniquely community-driven Bohemian Backstreets not only features traditional visual art (drawings, paintings, etc.) but also takes an interactive approach with live music, performance art, spoken word, dance and of course, food. Check them out for alley events!
UW Seattle Alley Art Party Maddie Beeders embarked on planning an walk alley event for her senior project. Maddie enlisted businesses, volunteers and art students from the University of Washington to pull of this very successful alley event. See Maddie’s portfolio for all the details.
AROUND THE US AND ABROAD
20Ft Wide will temporarily activate a downtown Austin alley as a public space over 5 days in April 2013! Art installations, artist programs and interactive activities for families will draw people into the alley and engage them with the alley space.“20ft Wide” is named after the 20 feet that serves as the standard width for many of Austin’s downtown alleys.
Spring in Our Steps A consortium of committed Cincinnati residents, who feel that forgotten pedestrian spaces can become some of the city’s best assets. The group initiates community-oriented projects in Cincinnati’s alleyways and city steps, as well as its most neglected sidewalks.
Chicago’s Green Alley Program Initiative by the City of Chicago to “green Chicago’s alley with environmentally friendly stormwater treatment features, permeable paving, and light fixtures to reduce light pollution. Over 100 projects have been installed since 2006.
Laneways of Vancouver Blog by Sam Cameron about the potential for laneway activation in Vancouver.
Sydney Laneway Revitalisation City of Sydney strategy for breathing life back into under-used spaces: business development, art installation, paving and lighting treatments, etc.