peepSHOW was conceived of through our own personal connections with the intersection of 7th and Market. To expand on our own preconceptions, we walked and watched the area, conducting interviews and observing interactions between businesses, travelers, and the people who reside in this district. This research led us to look for a way to document, activate, and embellish the details of the curiosity, tumult, and change that define the Civic Center District.

Urban spaces are made rich by their myriad components, but this very complexity can overwhelm. By filtering out all but one aspect or moment in the cityscape, a clear piece of the city can emerge from the blur. By experiencing a series of isolated and enhanced moments, one can begin to know Market Street and its value and vibrancy within the city. peepSHOW allows the user to contemplate his or her surroundings, acts to spur discussion and create shared experience. The structure builds on the notion of a nature-lover’s viewing station (birding platform, scenic overlook) but centers this action in a dense city context, allowing for the contemplation of the urban environment.

peepSHOW was created as part of the 2015 Market Street Prototyping festival and over the course of the three-day festival, peepSHOW proved itself to be an object of intrigue and beauty, a catalyst for cooperation and conversation, a place to pause and ponder, a cultural cross-section-izer, a giant selfie machine—and more.

More information can be found at website.

peepSHOW was also part of an exhibition at Storefront Lab.

Prototypers: Carolina Barnes, Will Bloomer, Taylor Dearing, Kelly Gregory, Won Young Kim, Joel Millar, Marc Pembroke, Sameena Sitabkhan