Videos Critique Twin Cities' Skyways

Skyways in Minneapolis and St. Paul have been a major part of the two cities downtowns for years, but are also blamed for killing their streetlife. A new video competition challenged filmmakers to explore that dichotomy.

1 minute read

April 7, 2011, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


This piece from MinnPost reviews the videos from the competition and what they have to say about the skyways.

"[I]t was smart of Architecture Minnesota Magazine to launch a video competition aimed at exploring the impact of skyways on urban life. The entries - 24 of them - came from a wide swath of designers, technicians, entertainers and video hobbyists. The top six were featured at an exuberant event at the Walker Art Center on Thursday night.

All six were imaginative and delightful to the eye and ear. The big crowd had a ball, especially during a 3D hip-hop offering from Benjamin Lindau and Keon Chi ("Don't be a hamster / be-be a man"), which, I think, celebrated the sidewalk option. Another favorite was James Tucker's droll archeological spoof, "Urban Mysteries," in which future scientists discover the ruins of skyways and speculate on their function and meaning."

Monday, April 4, 2011 in MinnPost

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

Close-up of person holding hand-written "Affordable Homes Now!" sign.

America’s Housing Crisis: Lessons Ignored and Challenges Ahead

A recent study reveals how decades of policy missteps, demographic shifts, and economic forces fueled America’s housing crisis, leaving millions — especially millennials — struggling amid rising demand, racial disparities, and climate-driven emergencies.

3 seconds ago - USC Today

Homes in Altadena, California with mountains in background on a sunny day.

Altadena’s Resilience: Restoring a Fire-Ravaged Community

The Eaton Fire has devastated Altadena, destroying homes, cultural landmarks, and community institutions, while residents rally to rebuild and preserve the town's rich history, diversity, and neighborly character.

2 hours ago - NBC News

View up at Chicago elevated train line with train passing and glass high-rises in background.

Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package

Public transit across the Chicagoland region could suffer massive cuts without additional funding.

4 hours ago - Bloomberg CityLab