This game is a non-objective experience. Anyone can play, but there are no winners and no losers. My goal was to engage gallery goers and challenge them to consider the effects of parking minimums by placing them in the position to demonstrate the issue themselves.
The Rules are as follows:
Objective – Create new development and re-develop existing space
Materials – Pick 3 development pieces of any shape and color
Play your turn – You may play pieces anywhere you would like, including on top of other developments, except:
1. You can’t play on top of that same color
2. You can’t play on top of a grey parking space
The Game Ends when – There is no space left that can be developed
By nature of the game’s layout, the longer that the game plays out, the fewer pieces will be able to be played. If players placed pieces “perfectly” to optimize the number that could be played, it would technically be possible to cover the entire surface of the map in parking. Is playing the most pieces possible the main objective of the game? This raises the question of what the players motivations are in the game. Different players have potentially conflicting goals which can mirror the real development of a shared city area. Everyone makes changes that leave a lasting impression on the space.
The basis of this experience is a critique of our system of zoning and development, specifically “parking minimums”. These are requirements in the zoning codes of cities, counties, and municipalities that require a certain number of off street parking spaces be created for a given development. It ignores the nuances of the area where the development is planned and frequently overestimates the needed space, which in turn wastes valuable land in our cities and towns.
A student parking pass is sold for $250, but is that the only cost?
For example, if a business that is only open during the day is located directly next to a business that is only open at night, both would need to create separate parking spaces. Another example: if you wanted to convert an existing space that used to be a music studio into an office, you would need to create additional parking spaces, even if the actual square footage of the building doesn’t change. In high density areas such as cities, this can prevent small businesses from opening.
The overabundance of parking also forces buildings to be made further apart, causing a butterfly effect of suburban sprawl that makes our spaces less walkable. This results in an increase in car dependency, even for short trips. This has negative effects on people’s health and happiness, and is even worse for the environment.
Check out a 360 degree time lapse of the opening!