'Urban Yoga' Reveals the Human Element in Cities

"The Urban Yoga Photo Book" is a new, Kickstarter-funded photo book that blends the beauty and grace of yoga with the grit and structure of urban settings.

1 minute read

January 16, 2015, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Created by Slovenian architect and athlete Anja Humljan, the practice of urban yoga grew out of a dual fascination with human-oriented architecture and the space-exploring tenets of yoga and modern dance," explains Megan Barrett in an article for Urbanful.

Urban yoga is the subject of a new book called The Urban Yoga Photo Book, featuring Humljan in various yoga poses in urban settings like New York, Madrid, Paris, and Ljubljana.

Barrett explains further what the yoga poses bring to the urban setting: "Humljan’s urban yoga approach takes the practice out of the studio and into the streets, compelling dancers to reexamine how their bodies inhabit urban places. The ultimate intent, Humljan says, is to breathe new human-oriented life into the efficient and industrial world of urban architecture and design."

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 in Urbanful

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)

Colorado flags draped between buildings in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns

City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.

January 9, 2025 - Governing

Sign for Eaton Canyon Natural Area in Los Angeles County.

After the Fires: Challenges and Efforts to Heal LA’s Parks and Trails

The recent LA wildfires have devastated parks and trails, with recovery efforts requiring extended closures, collaborative restoration plans, and community support to address extensive damage and long-term risks like landslides.

January 17 - Los Angeles Public Press

Person on bike on path next to Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C. with fall foliage in background across river.

DC Launches New Round of E-Bike Rebates

District residents can apply for a subsidy of up to $1,500 to purchase e-bikes.

January 17 - WUSA9

Black bollards lining a curved sidewalk next to a cobblestone street.

Why Aren’t There More Bollards in US Cities?

Solid barriers, like the dormant ones in New Orleans, are commonly used to improve road safety in Europe. Why not here?

January 17 - MinnPost