20 Amazing Public Space Transformations Captured on Google Streetview

In an era where the world is constantly evolving, public spaces serve as the canvas upon which communities paint the rich tapestry of their collective identity. The power of transformation lies not only in the physical alterations but also in the impact these spaces have on the people who inhabit them. Google Street View, with its all-seeing lens, has become a digital time capsule, capturing the dynamic metamorphosis of public spaces across the globe.

Join us on a captivating visual journey as we explore 20 extraordinary public space transformations documented on Google Street View. From bustling urban hubs to serene natural retreats, these snapshots reveal the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of communities worldwide. Each image encapsulates a moment in time, showcasing the fusion of architecture, art, and community engagement that breathes life into these remarkable public spaces. As we navigate through this virtual gallery, prepare to be inspired by the boundless possibilities that arise when public spaces undergo incredible metamorphoses.

Left: Ferenciek Tere in Budapest, Hungary. Right: Herald Square in New York City, NY

Urb-i is a group of young urban designers based in São Paulo, Brazil, whose mission is to change the perception people have of their city and come up with ideas to improve and enhance quality of life in urban environments.

Rua Lodônio Almeida, Itacaré, Brazil.

Aiming to “open people’s eyes” to the possibilities of good urban design, Urb-i (short for Urban Ideas) collects a database of before and after images of public space transformations using Google Streetview.

Route de Polygone, Strasbourg, France.

The project draws attention to how simple changes from car-oriented to pedestrian- and people-oriented design can dramatically realign our perceptions of public space, and our ability to use it.

Krymskaya nab., Moscow, Russia.

“We hope to inspire people and make it clear that it is a necessity to make cities more livable and pedestrian orientated,” said Yuval Fogelson, one member of the four-person team at Urb-i.

El Prado, San Diego, USA

 “We hope to help form the opinions of people in the discussion of the transformation of the public space, that after all belongs to all of us.”

Ipswich Road, Brisbane, Australia

The group keeps their finger on the pulse of street redesigns globally, scouring urban design and architectural blogs so they know where to look on Streetview.

Minami 1jo Dori, Sapporo, Japan

The results can be pretty incredible.

Av Jose Larco, Lima, Peru.

The Before/ After gallery is organized by country.

Waterkant St, Cape Town, South Africa.

Using the interactive world map, you can search for street transformations all over the world.

Sejon daero, Seoul, South Korea.

Many of the transformations take place in large cities.

Old Town, London, UK.

But there are just as many in smaller or lesser-known towns around the globe.

Diagonal Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Concepción, Chile.

The before/ after images are inspiring examples of how even small changes can make a big impact in urban environments.

Sderot Rothschild, Tel Aviv, Israel.

When we build cities for cars first, we impede the ability of people to enjoy public space by making it unwelcoming and unsafe.

Rua de Fortaleza, Sesimbra, Portugal.

As more people around the globe move into cities, the manner in which we design them is going to have an ever-greater impact on our health, the health of the economy and the health of the planet.

Cornmarket St, Cork, Ireland.

 While transforming one underpass into a livable street may seem like a small drop in a big bucket of water, its impact will be immense when it becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Sint-Rumboutskerknd, Mechelen, Belgium.

Ave Millen, Montreal, Canada.

Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Via Giudice Costatino, Cagliari, Italy.

To find hundreds more amazing public space transformations, and to learn more about Urb-i and their work, check out urbi.com.