Leimert Park Village “People Street” Pop-Up Plaza Demonstration

Re-Made Street Objects Pop Up in Leimert Plaza!

What if 43rd Place was pedestrian-only? Experience what could happen!

March 30th 2pm-5pm, we install five re-imagined objects in the street: a bench makes drum beats, an advertising display invites drawing and poetry, a planter calls you to play in the dirt, a newspaper box tells stories of times past, and a payphone guides you through the neighborhood.

Brought to you by the participants in USC’s “Tactical Media” class (IML404), KAOS Network, the Leimert Phone Company, USC Media Arts + Practice, and the USC Annenberg Innovation Lab, the City of Los Angeles Dept of Cultural Affairs and Council District 10.

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During this March 30^thLeimert Park ArtWalk Ben R. Caldwell of Kaos Network is hosting a Leimert Park Plaza“Tactical Media”workshop to look at integrating re-invented payphones, newspaper boxes and other things into a public space design in Leimert Park.

Kaos Network, in partnership with Karl Baumann and Francois Bar at USC will present the Leimert Park Village’s“People Street” concept.

The People Street program concept is being designed for the area on 43^rd Place from Degnan Boulevard to Leimert Boulevard.  The purpose is to have our community engage some ideas that will lead us into the 21 century as the Soul of LA.  You’ll be able to hang out on the People Street from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday.  The project concept will be submitted to the Dept. of Transportation by the Leimert Park Village Crenshaw Corridor BID, Council District 10 and the LA Dept. of Cultural Affairs in April and we would love to have your support!

A People Street Plaza creates accessible public open space by closing a portion of street to vehicular traffic. Paint or other treatments are applied to the street surface, while large planters and other elements define the Plaza perimeter. The People Street Community Partners will maintain and operate the Plaza, provide movable tables and chairs, public programs and ongoing neighborhood outreach.

Providing expanded public spaces can increase safety for people who walk, bike, and take transit. It also encourages increased levels of walking and bicycling, while supporting economic vitality.  New local gathering spaces can foster a greater sense of community and social cohesion. Plazas can also become centerpieces of neighborhoods, providing venues for events and celebrations. As more pedestrians come to spend time in neighborhoods, the increased activity may support the vibrancy of local businesses.