The first project that really impressed me and that meets 2 principles of slow design is the “Safe Spot Skate Spot” by the Rob Dyrdek Foundation.
It is primarily founded around the idea that street skating (skateboarding, roller blading, etc) is largely an illegal activity in urban areas of the United States. Its also hinged on the realization that skate parks generated by cities in urban areas are often designed by people that have no real idea about street skating and provide a somewhat lacking facility for skaters.
The idea presented here is that the Safe Spot Skate Spot (S^4) is big on the Reval principle of Slow design as it points out to major cities, like L.A., that today’s youth is being neglected in their need for real urban skateboarding spots. For example in an everyday scenario, most people use stairs, rails, benches, ramps, walls, etc in their day to day commutes, jobs, and general productivity. However, they don’t realize that these everyday things are used in an entirely different way by today’s youth. Moreover, at a general benefit to the community because this hobby keeps kids occupied instead of leading to more serious crimes.
The S^4 adheres to the Expand principle by recreating famous urban locations (Venice boardwalk for example) in unused sections of existing parks. The repuposing of existing urban locations that are intended for functionality are actually being used to construct a skating park for the urban youth.
What really impressed me, is that not only is this a beneficial thing for youth and the urban communities, but the foundation also gives realistic information on how to get involved in their community and create a Safe Spot Skate Spot, which I believe is executing the Engage Principle of Slow Design.
source: http://robdyrdekfoundation.org/
Slow Water by Mark Moskovitz, Jada Schumacher and Fei Zha really impressed me when I was looking for examples in the SlowLab website.
It reall hit close to home when the Reveal of how precious water is to everyone on Earth, but yet its so often overlooked by many. For example, I currently live in the Chicago Land Area and very close to one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world, I never have to really think about running out of fresh water. However, by limiting the availability of the water at a dinner table, the sense of anticipation can be had by the dinner table as the night goes on. I know for sure that when eating and drinking what may be wine, juice, etc, sometimes I do no quench my thirst, and do actually simply need water to fill my need. I imagined myself on this dinner table and wanting the conversation and noise to intensify in order to get my drink of water. Would I start making more noise? Would I wait for only a half full glass, and end my streak of pessimism?
Moreover, the Reflective aspect of this would make me think if there is enough water to go around. Would I choose an overly dry or spicy dish? Would I be selfish and try to figure out how I could get more water than my peers? Its really interesting at the thought of trying to get more water than my peers, when I’m so accustomed to just having it be so plentiful.
This project is clearly Engaging as it requires the entire dinner tables participation to carry the conversation and dispense the water more. I found it very interesting in requiring there be a social aspect in order to acquire the coveted water for consumption. I suppose it is a great idea to require interaction, which at a dinner is usually done to build friendships, in order to attain water. Through friendship, comes water. What a great concept.
source: http://www.slowlab.net/slow%20water.html