The Red Swing Project

An addition to last week's focus on swings is the lyrical "Red Swing Project", which started as an urban intervention in Austin, Texas in 2007.  The Red Swing Project anonymously hangs red swings in public places worldwide--infusing playfulness into the urban environment--mindful that "one swing can turn a vacant lot into a park". 

Red Swings have been installed in locations from India to Portugal:  the simple red swing remains the constant while the environmental backdrops and cultural contexts change from place to place.

The Red Swing Project offers full DIY help with a ‘how-to‘ instructional video and manual, and even a handy fold-up knot menu to take with you when you install your swing. 

One of the things I really want to focus on this year on the blog is empowering individuals to make playable space around them, without relying on big companies or even big charities to do so...watch for many more projects like this.


Red Swing Project Documentary from erin harris on Vimeo.



Go ahead and hang a red swing!