Challenging designers and artists to create interactive, whimsical, and joyful installations in public spacesslides on hills, musical sidewalks, etc.
The Architecture of Delight Commission for Playful Public Design
Public space is often austere and functional. Mamdanis Architecture of Delight commission seeks proposals from artists, architects, and designers to inject surprise and play into the built environment. Winning projects are funded and installed: a giant, climbable net structure in a park, a sidewalk that plays music when you walk on it, a hill with a built-in slide for adults, a fountain you can dance in. The only criteria are that they be free, safe, and inspire joy.These installations become destinations, breaking the monotony of the city and reminding people that urban life can be playful. Cities are for people, and people need to play, Mamdani says. Delight is a public good. These interventions are like vitamins for the civic spiritsmall doses of wonder that make us fall in love with our city all over again.
