On the swing set installations in public spaces: what can they tell us about the development of contemporary cities?

Abstract

The present article raises questions on the growing number of swing installations in cities around the world, especially in Europe and the US, since 2000. These swings are ephemeral, experimental installations, which aim at appropriating public spaces in a playful, innovative manner. The installations are proposed by different stakeholders, such as artists, architects, designers and advertising agencies, and have arisen from spontaneous, individual initiatives, such as those of governments or large private enterprises. Thus, the ludic “swing” device leaves children’s playgrounds and is “resignified” pluralistically through practices such as art, urban marketing, or through publicity campaigns. It becomes an appropriate urban element in response to certain values, wishes and needs of our current world. Each installation presents different ways of thinking and acting in public spaces, shapes that go beyond the conventional logic of development in contemporary cities.

Keywords:
ludic installations; swings; urban intervention; public spaces; contemporary cities