Before I Die: Reclaiming Urban Aspiration
by Maria PopovaWe love the work of artist, designer and TED Fellow Candy Chang. Today, we caught up with her at TED 2011, where she shared her brilliant new project in New Orleans: Before I Die I Want To — an abandoned house turned into a giant chalkboard, on which people share their deepest existential aspirations.
I never expected such an amazing outpouring of responses so quickly. Within 24 hours, the entire wall was completely filled out. And the responses range from humorous to overwhelmingly thoughtful — from ‘be a YouTube sensation’ to ‘go 200 mph’ to ‘be completely myself.’ I hear that people are gathering at the house and it’s stopping traffic. I’m blown away.” ~ Candy Chang
The notion of turning neglected space into an active invitation to engage with your community and get to know your neighbors is a wonderful embodiment of enlightened urbanism. What’s more, it’s a reminder that not all meaningful social platforms are accessed through a screen — an inspired antidote to the Foursquarification of urban social quasi-interaction.
For live coverage of TED 2011 this week, follow our Twitter feed and check Brain Pickings nightly for exclusive photos and speaker quotes. And don’t miss our primer of 5 must-read books by TED 2011 speakers.
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