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Park(ing) Day Philadelphia: 10 parklets we loved by local design firms

From an inverted meadow to a beautiful sanctuary

The ninth annual Park(ing) Day in Philly on Friday, September 16 transformed more than 50 parking spots into mini-parks for the day. Each year, the nation-wide event aims to promote green- and pedestrian-friendly spaces in urban settings.

The event took place in dozens of metered parking spots throughout the city, from Jewelers Row to Manayunk. Here are 10 of our favorite parklets from this year’s event, designed by local architecture and landscape architecture firms.

1. SMP Architects set up shop at 16th and Sansom. Their parklet was inspired by "diffused light and shadow of park foliage."

2. Landscape architecture firm Olin camped out on Jewelers Row, using recycled material to create its Diamond Cloud concept.

3. KSS Architects created the Sidewalk Shroud at 7th and Walnut.

4. Ewing Cole architects used plant crates to create their Transient Topography installation at 6th and Chestnut.

5. Bohlin Cywinski Jackson had prime real estate at Broad and Walnut street in front of Wawa.

Parking Day: 1 - Concrete Jungle: 0 #ParkingDayPHL #bohlincywinskijackson

A photo posted by Allie (@alliecat57) on

6. Landscape architecture and urban design firm Land Collective created an "inverted meadow" installation at 20th and Sansom streets.

Just #hanging out here for #parkingdayphl

A photo posted by amysyvshaffer (@amysyvshaffer) on

7. PJA Architecture collaborated with B Fabrication to take over the front of the Juice Merchant in Manayunk.

8. Sowinski Sullivan Architects’ parklet at 336 S. 16th Street almost didn’t happen when a car parked in its spot. But the firm built their trees-only parklet anyway.

Happy park(ing) day! However this car didn't get the memo #parkingdayphl #parkingday2016 #towthecar

A photo posted by Sowinski Sullivan Architects (@sowinskisullivanarchitects) on

9. Gensler brought back their colorful parklet from earlier this year to One Commerce Square.

We had a blast at #ParkingDayPHL 2016! Thanks to all who came by!

A photo posted by Gensler Philadelphia (@gensler_philly) on

10. Spiezle Architectural Group had people playing Battle of the Shrubs in their parklet in front of El Vez restaurant.