49 incredible public-space transformations captured by Google Street View
We are a society "addicted to cars," according to the four young founders of Urb-i.
![49 incredible public-space transformations captured by Google Street View](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-54722113%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-1206727%2Fwe-are-a-society-addicted-to-cars-according-to-the-four-young-founders-of-urb-i-.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Traffic lanes and parking take precedent over green spaces and outdoor seating. People traveling on foot are quarantined to tiny sidewalks.
![Traffic lanes and parking take precedent over green spaces and outdoor seating. People traveling on foot are quarantined to tiny sidewalks.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722112,width-700,height-525,imgsize-125862/traffic-lanes-and-parking-take-precedent-over-green-spaces-and-outdoor-seating-people-traveling-on-foot-are-quarantined-to-tiny-sidewalks-.jpg)
It just doesn't seem fair. Fortunately, the founders of Urb-i have an addiction of their own ...
![It just doesn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722111,width-700,height-525,imgsize-376665/it-just-doesnt-seem-fair-fortunately-the-founders-of-urb-i-have-an-addiction-of-their-own-.jpg)
They're obsessed with Google Street View.
![They](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722110,width-700,height-525,imgsize-339314/theyre-obsessed-with-google-street-view-.jpg)
Yuval Fogelson spends hours diving into the search engine's rabbit hole, scanning the world for stunning public space redesigns that favor pedestrians over vehicles.
![Yuval Fogelson spends hours diving into the search engine](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722109,width-700,height-525,imgsize-251352/yuval-fogelson-spends-hours-diving-into-the-search-engines-rabbit-hole-scanning-the-world-for-stunning-public-space-redesigns-that-favor-pedestrians-over-vehicles-.jpg)
In some areas, Google Street View offers a timeline of images, so you can see how a space has evolved over time.
![In some areas, Google Street View offers a timeline of images, so you can see how a space has evolved over time.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722108,width-700,height-525,imgsize-408859/in-some-areas-google-street-view-offers-a-timeline-of-images-so-you-can-see-how-a-space-has-evolved-over-time-.jpg)
It's pretty satisfying to see the results.
![It](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722107,width-700,height-525,imgsize-278570/its-pretty-satisfying-to-see-the-results-.jpg)
Urb-i began curating the images in a gallery, hoping to showcase public spaces that put pedestrians — and cyclists — first.
![Urb-i began curating the images in a gallery, hoping to showcase public spaces that put pedestrians — and cyclists — first.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722106,width-700,height-525,imgsize-293320/urb-i-began-curating-the-images-in-a-gallery-hoping-to-showcase-public-spaces-that-put-pedestrians-and-cyclists-first-.jpg)
"I have already developed a few strategies to finding these transformations, and quite frankly, I'm addicted," says Fogelson.
!["I have already developed a few strategies to finding these transformations, and quite frankly, I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722104,width-700,height-525,imgsize-302902/i-have-already-developed-a-few-strategies-to-finding-these-transformations-and-quite-frankly-im-addicted-says-fogelson-.jpg)
The group keeps tabs on urban transformation blogs and architectural projects, so they know where to check on Google Street View.
![The group keeps tabs on urban transformation blogs and architectural projects, so they know where to check on Google Street View.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722103,width-700,height-525,imgsize-364506/the-group-keeps-tabs-on-urban-transformation-blogs-and-architectural-projects-so-they-know-where-to-check-on-google-street-view-.jpg)
The before-and-after images look like reflections, thanks to carefully angled screenshots.
![The before-and-after images look like reflections, thanks to carefully angled screenshots.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722102,width-700,height-525,imgsize-338573/the-before-and-after-images-look-like-reflections-thanks-to-carefully-angled-screenshots-.jpg)
Today, Urb-i's before-and-after gallery contains more than 1,000 public-space transformations from around the world.
![Today, Urb-i](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722101,width-700,height-525,imgsize-295101/today-urb-is-before-and-after-gallery-contains-more-than-1000-public-space-transformations-from-around-the-world-.jpg)
In São Paulo, Brazil, where Urb-i's members work at a socially responsible architecture firm, this curb got a new life with paving and a park bench.
![In São Paulo, Brazil, where Urb-i](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722100,width-700,height-525,imgsize-353690/in-so-paulo-brazil-where-urb-is-members-work-at-a-socially-responsible-architecture-firm-this-curb-got-a-new-life-with-paving-and-a-park-bench-.jpg)
The makeovers vary in scale. An alleyway in San Francisco is nearly unrecognizable after an outdoor seating area is installed.
![The makeovers vary in scale. An alleyway in San Francisco is nearly unrecognizable after an outdoor seating area is installed.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722099,width-700,height-525,imgsize-315335/the-makeovers-vary-in-scale-an-alleyway-in-san-francisco-is-nearly-unrecognizable-after-an-outdoor-seating-area-is-installed-.jpg)
Two pavilions made of glass and steel jazz up this street in Milan, Italy. A ticket office and a cultural event space operate inside.
![Two pavilions made of glass and steel jazz up this street in Milan, Italy. A ticket office and a cultural event space operate inside.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722098,width-700,height-525,imgsize-371025/two-pavilions-made-of-glass-and-steel-jazz-up-this-street-in-milan-italy-a-ticket-office-and-a-cultural-event-space-operate-inside-.jpg)
Archways add some decadence to a side street in Singapore.
![Archways add some decadence to a side street in Singapore.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722097,width-700,height-525,imgsize-269732/archways-add-some-decadence-to-a-side-street-in-singapore-.jpg)
Sometimes all it takes is a sidewalk.
![Sometimes all it takes is a sidewalk.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722096,width-700,height-525,imgsize-225148/sometimes-all-it-takes-is-a-sidewalk-.jpg)
"For the pedestrian, an extra meter or two of sidewalk means a whole lot," Urb-i says.
!["For the pedestrian, an extra meter or two of sidewalk means a whole lot," Urb-i says.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722095,width-700,height-525,imgsize-246093/for-the-pedestrian-an-extra-meter-or-two-of-sidewalk-means-a-whole-lot-urb-i-says-.jpg)
Size isn't the only thing that matters.
![Size isn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722094,width-700,height-525,imgsize-379460/size-isnt-the-only-thing-that-matters-.jpg)
"If designed well," Urb-i says, a public space "functions as a place of permanence where we socialize, rather than just a passage to get us from Point A to Point B."
!["If designed well," Urb-i says, a public space "functions as a place of permanence where we socialize, rather than just a passage to get us from Point A to Point B."](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722093,width-700,height-525,imgsize-365389/if-designed-well-urb-i-says-a-public-space-functions-as-a-place-of-permanence-where-we-socialize-rather-than-just-a-passage-to-get-us-from-point-a-to-point-b-.jpg)
Let's take a look at some more examples.
![Let](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722092,width-700,height-525,imgsize-304460/lets-take-a-look-at-some-more-examples-.jpg)
A little greenery goes a long way in Budapest, Hungary.
![A little greenery goes a long way in Budapest, Hungary.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722091,width-700,height-525,imgsize-313043/a-little-greenery-goes-a-long-way-in-budapest-hungary-.jpg)
Pedestrians can enjoy the shrubbery in Lyon, France, too.
![Pedestrians can enjoy the shrubbery in Lyon, France, too.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722090,width-700,height-525,imgsize-377377/pedestrians-can-enjoy-the-shrubbery-in-lyon-france-too-.jpg)
Fake trees and art installations work well in Montréal, Canada.
![Fake trees and art installations work well in Montréal, Canada.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722089,width-700,height-525,imgsize-325752/fake-trees-and-art-installations-work-well-in-montral-canada-.jpg)
Montréal's Avenue du Musée doesn't disappoint either, with a rotating sculpture installation available for public viewing.
![Montréal](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722088,width-700,height-525,imgsize-312453/montrals-avenue-du-musee-doesnt-disappoint-either-with-a-rotating-sculpture-installation-available-for-public-viewing-.jpg)
A new boardwalk outside Seoul, South Korea, lends stunning views of a river.
![A new boardwalk outside Seoul, South Korea, lends stunning views of a river.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722087,width-700,height-525,imgsize-272074/a-new-boardwalk-outside-seoul-south-korea-lends-stunning-views-of-a-river-.jpg)
These planter boxes make for a perfect place to each lunch on a rare sunny day in Seattle.
![These planter boxes make for a perfect place to each lunch on a rare sunny day in Seattle.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722086,width-700,height-525,imgsize-280635/these-planter-boxes-make-for-a-perfect-place-to-each-lunch-on-a-rare-sunny-day-in-seattle-.jpg)
There's no more parking allowed on Van Gogh Walk in London, England.
![There](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722084,width-700,height-525,imgsize-373928/theres-no-more-parking-allowed-on-van-gogh-walk-in-london-england-.jpg)
49 incredible public-space transformations captured by Google Street View
![49 incredible public-space transformations captured by Google Street View](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722081,width-700,height-525,imgsize-337355/49-incredible-public-space-transformations-captured-by-google-street-view.jpg)
Designers can get creative with pavement, too. A semi-circle pattern spruces up a public space in Lower Manhattan.
![Designers can get creative with pavement, too. A semi-circle pattern spruces up a public space in Lower Manhattan.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722080,width-700,height-525,imgsize-334542/designers-can-get-creative-with-pavement-too-a-semi-circle-pattern-spruces-up-a-public-space-in-lower-manhattan-.jpg)
Copenhagen, Denmark, has a case of the spots.
![Copenhagen, Denmark, has a case of the spots.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722079,width-700,height-525,imgsize-327316/copenhagen-denmark-has-a-case-of-the-spots-.jpg)
Madrid, Span, gets its very own, star-studded walk of fame.
![Madrid, Span, gets its very own, star-studded walk of fame.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722078,width-700,height-525,imgsize-331047/madrid-span-gets-its-very-own-star-studded-walk-of-fame-.jpg)
Across town in Madrid, a public space gets the cobblestone treatment.
![Across town in Madrid, a public space gets the cobblestone treatment.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722076,width-700,height-525,imgsize-428603/across-town-in-madrid-a-public-space-gets-the-cobblestone-treatment-.jpg)
Where once there were cars, bicycles reign supreme in Copenhagen, Denmark.
![Where once there were cars, bicycles reign supreme in Copenhagen, Denmark.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722075,width-700,height-525,imgsize-353785/where-once-there-were-cars-bicycles-reign-supreme-in-copenhagen-denmark-.jpg)
A main artery in Brussels, Belgium, gets a bike lane for safety.
![A main artery in Brussels, Belgium, gets a bike lane for safety.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722074,width-700,height-525,imgsize-338274/a-main-artery-in-brussels-belgium-gets-a-bike-lane-for-safety-.jpg)
Almada, Portugal, looks like a postcard with its new public square.
![Almada, Portugal, looks like a postcard with its new public square.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722072,width-700,height-525,imgsize-354762/almada-portugal-looks-like-a-postcard-with-its-new-public-square-.jpg)
Not far away in Lisbon, Portgual, pedestrians and motorists seem to share the space, instead of competing for it.
![Not far away in Lisbon, Portgual, pedestrians and motorists seem to share the space, instead of competing for it.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722071,width-700,height-525,imgsize-355252/not-far-away-in-lisbon-portgual-pedestrians-and-motorists-seem-to-share-the-space-instead-of-competing-for-it-.jpg)
London's Granary Square gets a face-lift.
![London](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722070,width-700,height-525,imgsize-301781/londons-granary-square-gets-a-face-lift-.jpg)
In Tel Aviv, Israel, a raised platform offers a place to rest while you run errands.
![In Tel Aviv, Israel, a raised platform offers a place to rest while you run errands.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722069,width-700,height-525,imgsize-376046/in-tel-aviv-israel-a-raised-platform-offers-a-place-to-rest-while-you-run-errands-.jpg)
You won't find any cars in this beautiful grove in Amsterdam.
![You won](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722066,width-700,height-525,imgsize-401856/you-wont-find-any-cars-in-this-beautiful-grove-in-amsterdam-.jpg)
Paris, France, swaps a roadway for public transit, giving pedestrians a whole new view.
![Paris, France, swaps a roadway for public transit, giving pedestrians a whole new view.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722065,width-700,height-525,imgsize-350749/paris-france-swaps-a-roadway-for-public-transit-giving-pedestrians-a-whole-new-view-.jpg)
A bustling street in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, turns into a tranquil walkway.
![A bustling street in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, turns into a tranquil walkway.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722064,width-700,height-525,imgsize-373208/a-bustling-street-in-belo-horizonte-brazil-turns-into-a-tranquil-walkway-.jpg)
We might even call this an excessive amount of sidewalk in Budapest, Hungary.
![We might even call this an excessive amount of sidewalk in Budapest, Hungary.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722063,width-700,height-525,imgsize-273709/we-might-even-call-this-an-excessive-amount-of-sidewalk-in-budapest-hungary-.jpg)
This intersection in Lyon, France, looks totally different.
![This intersection in Lyon, France, looks totally different.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722062,width-700,height-525,imgsize-365825/this-intersection-in-lyon-france-looks-totally-different-.jpg)
Over in Toulouse, France, a park takes the place of a parking lot.
![Over in Toulouse, France, a park takes the place of a parking lot.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722060,width-700,height-525,imgsize-428329/over-in-toulouse-france-a-park-takes-the-place-of-a-parking-lot-.jpg)
This makeover in Seattle is just stunning.
![This makeover in Seattle is just stunning.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722059,width-700,height-525,imgsize-355735/this-makeover-in-seattle-is-just-stunning-.jpg)
While Fogelson curates most of the before-and-after images himself, there is a way public-space enthusiasts can help.
![While Fogelson curates most of the before-and-after images himself, there is a way public-space enthusiasts can help.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722058,width-700,height-525,imgsize-299610/while-fogelson-curates-most-of-the-before-and-after-images-himself-there-is-a-way-public-space-enthusiasts-can-help-.jpg)
In January, Urb-i started a collaborators program so people can volunteer time searching for transformations on Google Street View.
![In January, Urb-i started a collaborators program so people can volunteer time searching for transformations on Google Street View.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722057,width-700,height-525,imgsize-351679/in-january-urb-i-started-a-collaborators-program-so-people-can-volunteer-time-searching-for-transformations-on-google-street-view-.jpg)
He hopes to eventually launch a platform where people can share proposals for future before-and-after public space transformations.
![He hopes to eventually launch a platform where people can share proposals for future before-and-after public space transformations.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722056,width-700,height-525,imgsize-367953/he-hopes-to-eventually-launch-a-platform-where-people-can-share-proposals-for-future-before-and-after-public-space-transformations-.jpg)
"We are seeking to create a bottom-up network which will connect professionals, residents, designers, and hopefully decision-makers," Fogelson says.
!["We are seeking to create a bottom-up network which will connect professionals, residents, designers, and hopefully decision-makers," Fogelson says.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722055,width-700,height-525,imgsize-318447/we-are-seeking-to-create-a-bottom-up-network-which-will-connect-professionals-residents-designers-and-hopefully-decision-makers-fogelson-says-.jpg)
You can see more before-and-after images (and contribute your own) by visiting Urb-i's website.
![You can see more before-and-after images (and contribute your own) by visiting Urb-i](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-54722054,width-700,height-525,imgsize-342100/you-can-see-more-before-and-after-images-and-contribute-your-own-by-visiting-urb-is-website-.jpg)
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