Neighbourhood Benches

Artist Becki Chan was inspired by the Highlands Library’s architecture as well as the heritage of the surrounding community to create this ​“mini neighbourhood.” The tiny gabled houses are abstracted miniatures of the most commonly found architectural styles in the area. The installation playfully interacts with the scale of the library and the large elm tree, all the while providing seating that encourages a variety of individual and group activities. The houses are sited to face the street. This orientation fosters an interactive relationship with the sidewalk, and completes the concept of a miniature neighbourhood. Whimsical and imaginative, the simplified forms evoke children’s doodles, dollhouses, and games.