vincent broquaire's drawings add whimsy to streets of rennes to redefine urban spaces

Mysterious characters reshuffle crossings and bike racks

Vincent Broquaire infuses a touch of whimsy to the streets of Rennes with his recent work Pedestrian Crossings. The French artist transforms the mundane elements of public space, including zebra crossings, bike racks, and road signs, into intriguing works of art with simple creative interventions. For Pedestrian Crossings, his canvas extends across the French urban fabric as he introduces 40 captivating characters which like playful agents of change reimagine traditional road signs, transforming them with a sense of mystery. The artworks prompt passersby to stop and reconsider their perception of their surroundings and elements of public organization with a playful perception.

image by Vincent Cadoret

vincent broquaire urges reengagement with public spaces

With Pedestrian Crossings, Vincent Broquaire looks to the nature of road sign elements, which, in his vision, are in a perpetual movement and can transcend the confines of streets and spill into sidewalks. This fluidity challenges onlookers to engage with their surroundings actively, fostering a renewed appreciation for the streets they navigate daily and encouraging exploration within the neighborhood. With a keen eye for transforming the ordinary, the artist leverages elements from daily life to craft new, joyful forms that question society’s functionality with a through a humorous lens.

image by Gwendal Le Flem

image by Gwendal Le Flem

image by Vincent Cadoret

image by Vincent Cadoret

image by Vincent Cadoret

image by Gwendal Le Flem

project info:

name: Pedestrian Crossings 
designer: Vincent Broquaire (with Arthur-Louis Ignoré & Emilie Hoyet)
production: ilta studio

sponsor: Territoires Rennes, with the agreement of Mairie de Saint-Jacques de la Lande & Rennes Métropole

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom