* alleyCAT *
> chris kahle >
alleyCAT is an interpretive exhibit exploring Los Angeles alleys. With more than 1,000 gated, "nuisance" alleys from among over 12,000 gridding the city, Los Angeles has an unusual spatial opportunity to explore park-like uses for these fallow land strips. The alleyCAT project uses performative, mapping, quantitative, and qualitative methods to explore and relate the possibilities of reconfiguring alleys as a means to provide local solutions to provide playspace, gardenspace, and trailspace in a city where land resources are scarce. Alleys have become "sinks" in our urban fabric, collecting trash, feral animals and vegetation, as well as providing safe haven for many homeless people and cover for illegal and illicit activities. All this happens right behind Angelinoes' homes, as alleys are a touch point between public and private urban space! alleyCAT proposes to reclaim, reinterpret, and revitalize Los Angeles alleys as a model for other cities. alleyCAT is an ongoing research and demonstration project, which will continue after the gardenlab experiment concludes.
> bio >
Chris is a geographer based at USC, researches urban parks and open space. His current projects focus on the park-potential of remnant urban spaces like alleys and the LA River. His work has been funded through fellowships from the National Science Foundation, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation. With Lize Mogel, he curated two exhibits in 2002 - "Genius Loci" at SCI-Arc through the LA Municipal Art Gallery and "Alternate Routes" at the UCR/CA Museum of Photography.