Alleys in Technicolor

competition entry for Ann Arbor’s alleyway project

Alleys serve a necessary function on cities and Ann Arbor is no exception. Here, bollards, storm drainage, sewer infrastructure, trash bins, electrical conduit, exhaust fans, and service lanes all coexist to support the necessary functions we need to thrive as a community. Rather than suppress this, our idea starts by highlighting this critical network with a carefully curated color palette. A simple instruction kit allows members of the community to engage in the process and take an active role in transforming this sequestered urban asset into a new public real.

Ordinary objects generate vibrant patterns that attract critical mass, and therefore new opportunities for shared experiences. Alley objects and infrastructure are no longer extras on a glum monochromatic stage, rather they are revealed as supporting and lead actors in a bright and exuberating theatrical production. Using only paint and community participation, this installation can be repeated over and over in alleys throughout Ann Arbor and around the world to bring awareness and value to the systems of cities.