This village constructed by homeless people took over a large part of Nagoya’s central Shirakawa Koen. As you can see, the defensive wall around the outside of the village was constructed from an array of broken down refrigerators and tree stumps. A very robust set-up that was unfortunately no match for the ‘city beautifiers’ who attempted to destroy what was left of Nagoya’s soul in the run up to the 2005 Aichi Expo.
Materials: Refrigerators, Tree stumps
Location: Shirakawa Park, Nagoya
Extra security by chaining bicycle to parking structure. Uncommon.
Location: Setagaya, Tokyo.
This example is a note for a pamphlet on “Hand Made Aspects of Mass Produced Housing”. Subscribe to my somewhat-frequent letter HERE if you want to keep in touch easily.
Path through garden worn by junk mail delivery people trying to avoid the watchful eye of the apartment complex security/maintenance workers. It is not only the actions of the residents that slowly mold the building and surrounds over time.
Location: Setagaya, Tokyo.
This example is a note for a pamphlet on “Hand Made Aspects of Mass Produced Housing”. Subscribe to my somewhat-frequent letter HERE if you want to keep in touch easily.
A bit of greenification helps keep this inner-city commerce spot free of parked bicycles.
Nice contrast with residential areas, where pots trump cars – see [HERE] and [HERE]
Materials: Potplants
Location: Central Nagoya
Watch out for burglars! This frugal signage warns residents of ambient dangers.
Materials: Laminated Paper, Duct Tape
Location: Nagoya
Community saftey signage in subway station – watch out for purse snatchers, “Ore Ore” sagi, and break-ins.
Materials: Duct Tape, Laminated A4
Location: Akabanebashi, Tokyo
“It appears big brother is watching this garbage disposal area but closer inspection reveals that the camera is a cleverly crafted replica made from a plastic bottle wrapped in black duct tape, sporting two drawing pins and with an old stereo cord added to complete the effect. I chuckle every time I pass partly at the fact that its not fooling anybody and partly at the fact that someone crafted and installed the device.” – courtesy of Byron Kidd
Materials: Pet Bottle, Stereo Cord, Duct Tape, Drawing Pins
Another entry in the “security or stabilization?” series..[e.g. 1], [e.g. 2].. This one looks as if it is secured to keep the tree from obstructing the front entrance.
Materials: Plastic Twine
Location: Yanaka, Tokyo
(Originally posted on Tokyo-DIY-Gardening.org)
A particularly aggressive brick wall covered in barbed wire between buildings Sendagaya, Tokyo. When all other adjacent walls are without this sharp alteration, it is hard to imagine what it’s purpose might be… Perhaps it is to deter intruders who intend to escape down the gap between the buildings, perhaps it is to deter stray cats…..
Material: Barbed Wire
Location: Sendagaya, Tokyo
A medium size potted bamboo plant is secured to a breeze block and signpost with a long length of plastic twine (one key item in the urban gardener’s arsenal).
What is the function of this construction? Is it a security device – being of just enough nuisance to discourage late-night strollers from lightheartedly taking it home (It is easy pickings for any determined thief)?. Is it a stabilizing defense against high-winds? Or, does it simply prevent the pot from falling/being bumped over in its precarious position?
(First published on Tokyo DIY Gardening)
Materials: Plastic Rope/Twine, Breeze Block, Signpost
Location: Sendagaya, Tokyo
Bike lock used to secure ladder stored on roadside.
Materials: Bike Lock
Location: Sendagaya, Tokyo
