John Metcalfe profiles the work of Spanish art collective luzinterruptus, who have used public art pieces to highlight the failings of Spanish authorities, such as Madrid's dysfunctional drinking fountains.
The anonymous duo behind luzinterruptus's latest piece has turned four of Madrid's broken drinking fountains into "shimmering waterfalls of light," literally highlighting, "the degradation of this 'necessary public service'."
According to Metcalfe, other projects completed by the artists since 2008, such as fields of internally radiant rain boots laid in commentary on Spain's environmental pollution, have played with the element of light.
On their use of light, the artists claim that, "Besides providing a great visual impact, light allows us to make interventions in a smaller degree and greater in others. We avoid deteriorating urban furniture and leave room on the scene for other artists to work on or to the users of that common space, which is scarce in great cities."
See Metcalfe's article for links to the stunning images from the group's projects.
FULL STORY: Madrid's Broken Drinking Fountains Become Shimmering Waterfalls of Light

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie