We talk a lot about crumbling infrastructure. Our highways are a mess, public transit is underfunded — the list goes on.
Of course, we could repair these bridges and pipelines, but there’s also the choice to rethink infrastructure completely and make it more efficient, more sustainable and even more beautiful. In cities around the country, we’re seeing the emergence of fresh projects more in line with the way we want to live and not the way we used to live.
Orion Magazine’s Reimagining Infrastructure column is dedicated to just that, featuring projects that blur the lines between infrastructure and public art. Check out some examples, courtesy of Orion, in the slideshow below.
Gallery: The Art of Infrastructure
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New York City – The High Line, an old industrial train line-turned-garden walkway, has become a popular place for a stroll, a date or just evading the busy streets below. Credit: Iwan Baan
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Philadelphia – Winding along the banks of the Delaware River, the Dentritic Decay Garden is a reminder that even the built environment is not permanent. Credit: Stacy Levy
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Philadelphia – The Decay Garden incorporates old pavement, urban gardens and wetlands, creating a stormwater management system and a pleasant riverside park. Credit: Stacy Levy
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San Jose, Calif. – Water filtration has never looked so cool. Urban Rain draws attention to the rainwater run off and filters it right before public’s eyes. Credit: Cesar Rubio
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Petaluma, Calif. – This idyllic spot, including a butterfly garden and walking trails, is a cleverly designed sewage treatment center, combining filtration ponds and repurposed wetlands to create a scenic public park. Credit: Scott Hess
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Austin, Texas – The SunFlowers stand on the grounds of a old airport, next to a busy highway. By day, they collect sunlight and mark the entrance to a hiking trail. By night they glow, using some of their own stored energy. Credit: Holly Brown
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