A couple of years ago, we mentioned an interesting documentary about Parkour, and how such contemporary discipline is able to make reading the urban space in a different way.
The film was recorded mainly in Copenhagen, using locations such as the Mountain Dwellings designed by BIG. It also includes some conversations with Bjarke Ingels, discussing about his understanding of urban space. It has been selected as part of the films program of the RIBA 2012. If you’re in London, you will have the chance to watch it next June 26th.
More info after the break
My Playground, showcases the connection between buildings and the human body. It celebrates the phenomenon of Parkour or freerunning – a non-competitive sport where participants run along buildings, rooftops and landscapes attempting to negotiate obstacles using only their bodies.
The film follows Team Jiyo, a Danish Parkour group, as they explore cities around the world and encounter the obstacles they present. ‘It started in France in the 1990s and has evolved to the whole world,’ says Schroder. ‘I’ve seen videos from India to Africa to New Zealand; people are doing it every where and it is really growing. Especially in Denmark it is the fastest growing sport among young people.’
The film additionally looks at how acclaimed award-winning Danish architect, Bjarke Ingels, went about designing and building the world’s first park dedicated to the sport of Parkour. ‘Life in the city is always evolving and it is our job as architects to make sure that our opportunities for expression aren’t limited, and that our cities match the life we want to live,’ says Ingels.
Director: Kaspar Astrup Schroder Year: 2010 Running time: 50 minutes
June 26th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
66 Portland Place London W1B 1AD
The ticket fees are £5 and can be booked here.
