There are many ways to bring attention to an issue, COGOO–an organization dedicated to creating cleaner cities–chose art as a means of creating awareness regarding the 2 million bicycles that are abandoned on the streets of Tokyo every year.
COGOO partnered with the design firm TBWA\hakuhodo to create the project Saddle Blossoms: The Exhibition of Abandoned Time. Saddle Blossoms required that they collect dozens of abandoned bicycles and recycle the seats into planters. Once completed, they brought the bicycles back to the city, and waited for the plants to grow and emerge from their bicycle seats.
By turning bicycle parking lots into an art gallery, COGOO is hoping to bring awareness to what was once an invisible issue.
Bicycle Saddle Bouquets
COGOO Brings Attention to the Abandoned Bicycles That Plague Tokyo
Trend Themes
1. Art as Awareness - Utilizing art as a means of bringing attention to social and environmental issues.
2. Recycling and Repurposing - Finding innovative ways to recycle and repurpose discarded or abandoned items.
3. Transforming Spaces - Transforming unused or underutilized spaces into interactive and impactful spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Environmental Advocacy - Opportunities for organizations dedicated to creating cleaner cities and raising awareness about environmental issues.
2. Design and Creative Services - Innovative design firms and creative agencies can explore collaborations to create impactful projects that raise awareness.
3. Urban Planning and City Development - City planning and development sectors can consider incorporating art installations and repurposed spaces into urban landscapes.