It’s getting hot outside, and data shows that asphalt leads to significantly higher surface temperatures. Pedestrians in cities will be the first to feel these adverse impacts, but we believe infrastructure that prioritizes shade, plants, and people-centric design will curb these problems. When we deprioritize space for cars, we see decreased carbon emissions contributing to extreme climate events, therefore making our cities safer and more livable.

Public opinion has to shift in order to enact effective policy. If individuals don’t feel ownership of their own neighborhoods and roads, they won't believe change is possible and policy will suffer.This project serves as a catalyst, reminding people across the country that roads and sidewalks can be designed while prioritizing local community needs, considering fragile ecosystems, and centering accessibility. With the rise of pedestrian and community oriented infrastructure like streateries, pop-up gardens, and curb extensions, now is the time to imagine what hasn't been created yet, and put it to the test with tactical urbanism, “low-cost, temporary, and scalable intervention designed to test improvements and catalyze long-term change in public spaces”

Ground Shift Studio believes that roads are the world’s greatest canvas for art that unites, protects, and energizes the cities we love. We hope this initiative helps spark imagination and innovation in regard to what our city streets can look like, and how they can serve us.