I'm going to assume that everyone in the city has seen the new crosswalks. The designs, popping up on Broadway and Smith St. are designed to look like different things. We've got forks and knives, we've got ties, and we've got piano keys. It's not the first time I've seen unique stencil-work used to replace the standard white lines - I distinctly remember Humboldt had a kind of scrollwork pattern on their Main Street way back when I lived in that area - but it is new to this city, and I feel the need to say what I think of the idea.
I actually love it. Genuinely, whole-heartedly love the entire concept behind it. I thought about this from the first time I noticed the piano keys on Smith on the way to work, and while it took longer than it probably should have to catch on - I am not a morning person, but that's when I saw it - once it clicked I thought it was a brilliant idea.
The reason is, essentially, it's funny. It's a playful way to take a pretty standard intersection and do something a bit different with it. The design I enjoy the most is the piano keys, since it's a pretty simple effect that isn't very far from the standard stripes, but with a little tweak it becomes something else entirely. It made me laugh, because it's amusing to see a standard crosswalk turn into a piano.
From what I understand, the idea is to get people to notice the crosswalks, and it does serve that purpose. In some cases, a well placed pattern can even highlight a nearby business, like a line of ties leading to a block with men's clothing stores. But I think the most important part is that it is just kind of a fun way to approach what is otherwise a very boring part of any city. Nobody gets excited by crosswalks, they are necessary but not something you otherwise notice. Handling them with a bit of wit is a welcome way to make people notice them.
Now, I'm sure that there are people in the world who don't approve, but I think you'll find those people with any proposal, whether it's good or bad. It isn't a serious approach to walkways, and some might argue that everything needs to be approached in a matter that is most sensible. Apart from it being a rather lighthearted way to decorate the streets - something I like - there aren't really any disadvantages. The crosswalks are noticeable, it's not going to be much more expensive than a regular design, and they still function in the same way as every other crosswalk in the world. Difference is that these ones are amusing, and the rest are not.
I wonder if this will lead to other clever and unorthodox decisions with city decor, and I hope it does. I want to live somewhere that has fun with the different parts of the city, and isn't afraid to do something unexpected. I like it because it's a bit of a surprise, and a bit of a delight. There are things that every city has, every city needs, and everyone sees every day. For the most part, these things, such as crosswalks, are predictable and a bit boring. The surprise of the new designs might wear off for regular travellers, as we know what to expect, but there's still that little bit of delight, as you drive along and see something that's a clever use of a familiar visual. Most importantly, these touches give the impression that this is a fun place to live, and deep down people prefer fun.
