Establishing the Penn Street Art Bridge is one of the social infrastructure accomplishments I’m proudest of because it’s a real-world, physical example of the kind of non-obvious systems design I love creating. It’s also system that’s still functioning beautifully almost ten years later. (Despite implementation of the entire system being halted early on after a change in city administration.)

The Penn Street Art Bridge is a public art space in downtown York PA, across the street and through an alley from the Economic Alliance, and two blocks down from historic Penn Market. Everyone is welcome to paint, any time of day, with no permission needed.

The space creates a rolling gallery effect. Street artist collectives like YorkBombSquad have formed around the space, their work has been recognized and they’re getting commissions and putting up new murals throughout the city all the time.

The cascade effects of social infrastructure are significant. With regenerative design, almost any obstacle can be turned into opportunity.

Our most pressing problems are brimming with potential for regenerative solutions. When we have access to adequate resources — freedom, funds, and fiercely creative people — we can do so much.