Park(ing) Day Group 4 - Donald Reni

Contemplate / Live / Nature

These three words are what come to mind when I think about Park(ing) day. The concept gives a us a setting where we can think about how we are currently using our land and how we may want to change these patterns in the the future for possible alternatives. It is one thing to read about a movement but to actually see it in action and live in it for a short while helps bring the point home.
These spaces can be used for living in a way that can bring people together instead of just being used to temporary storage for inanimate objects. Lastly, this movement is a way for people to reconnect a bit with nature. For many living in an urban area like San Francisco takes them out of a natural setting for extended periods of time due to a lack of parks close to their work or living situations. Although parking day can only bring people closer to nature for a few hours it can spark a renewed interest in the natural world.

Thuan Nguyen - Group 4, Holloway

The white vehicle is stationed at my team's designated parking spot.


An older gentleman relaxing and reading the news.


An empty spot nearby, for reference.

Chosen words:

relax, life, breathe

Why I chose these words:

sanctuary - Evident in the second photo above is an older gentleman reading a newspaper in repose. When I took the photos around 1-2 PM on a Friday, the atmosphere around that particular parking space on Holloway was relaxed. There weren't too many students around, and there wasn't that much traffic. Combine these factors with nice weather, and I was able to leisurely compose and snap my photos with little interruption. Like the gentleman in the photo, after I took the photos I took a few moments to relax on that very same ledge he was sitting on.

life - The overhanging trees and vibrant purple flowers caught my attention. I find it beautiful when I can enjoy blooming plant life in the city, especially when the particular area is clean and taken care of. It's always nice to find green refuge in the city; it seems to always brighten not only my mood, but everyone else's as well.

breathe - The air felt clean and crisp at that spot--maybe because of the slightly cool weather. Compared to nearby 19th Ave, Holloway Ave seems relatively barren of cars, and I'm sure the lack of emissions was a reason I was able to appreciate the air quality.