The everyday sidewalk shed — what can be done with it? Sidewalk scaffolds are especially common in Manhattan, where buildings are both old and tall and so in need of regular brickwork. Since they’re on practically every block, it’s easy to overlook the effect that sheds have on the street, unless you’re a shop owner mourning the loss of daylight.

New York not only has a density of buildings, but of creative minds. A team in the MFA Transdisciplinary Design program at Parsons/The New School saw potential in the utilitarian structures: the result, Softwalks, is a design intervention, a kit that can give sheds features of public furniture or other uses to serve the community.

The Softwalks team is participating in a public art piece this weekend, Saturday, May 12, 9 AM – 12 AM and Sunday, May 13, 1 PM – 4 PM; Coordinated by Art in Odd Places and the Urban Design BA program at Parsons. Location: South West corner of 14th Street, between 6th & 7th Avenues.

On Tuesday, May 22, they will also have a pop-up appearance outside the Javits Center, at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair; 10 AM – 4 PM.
Follow @Softwalks on Twitter for the surprise pop-up location.

Below is a short video of a collaborative design workshop held by the team at the Horticultural Society of New York.