Halprin was an architect who "saw there was a need for a new way to express the (urban) landscape at the end of the 20th century." Although most of his creations were built before David Belle climbed out of his cradle, his vision enabled so many of us to rediscover ourselves, to redefine our cities, and rejuvenate our lives with movement. He has been called the "the single most influential landscape architect of the postwar years" by people who have never even heard of parkour. What would they say if they knew just how influential he was?

While walking through Baltimore (which houses a fountain in the Inner Harbor that I've always suspected he designed), I once found a quote inscribed on a wall. It reads...

"We must hold fast to the realization that our cities are for people, and unless they work well for people they are not working well at all. As the people of the world learn what is possible, they will demand that their cities be geared to the humane and the beautiful." - Jim Rouse, Social Visionary.

Farewell, Mr. Halprin. You will be missed, but the world will not forget you. But after the world moves on, traceurs will still be paying their homage to you every time they train.

-Zachary Cohn

I encourage all traceurs to take a moment next time they train to reflect on the architect who designed your playground - whether it was Lawrence Halprin or not. If you train at a Halprin location, stop everyone at the next jam and hold a moment of silence. You can read more for some links to some articles and pictures featuring his work, as well as a list of his creations and several obituaries.

Washington Post Obituary

Seattle Pi article featuring Freeway Park

SFGate Obituary

Wikipedia Article, with a partial list of his projects

Display 4 of 4 comments