WE AR’ THE CITY: A Parade of Wearable Architecture Led by Sol Golden Sato

Imagine a city where buildings are not just structures but wearable pieces of art. This was the vision behind WE AR’ THE CITY, an innovative project led by artist Sol Golden Sato at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery in October 2024. The project culminated in a vibrant parade showcasing children’s wearable architecture, transforming Ealing High Street into a living, breathing cityscape of creativity and imagination.

Introduction to Wearable Architecture

The concept of wearable architecture might seem unusual at first. After all, architecture typically involves designing built environments like houses, schools, parks, and bridges. But Sol Golden Sato challenged this notion by proposing workshops where over 100 school children designed and created wearable buildings or garments. These individual creations were later assembled into one giant city structure, demonstrating how clothing and architecture share principles such as human size, color, shape, proportion, space, and functionality.

Building Together

The project aimed to help children embrace a new way of learning, explore the city, and understand what it might be like to operate as experimental problem-solving architects in the public realm. Through hands-on art and model-building activities, Sato led two-hour workshops introducing children to fashion, architecture, and design. Each child made an individual contribution, but together, their creations formed a cohesive and interconnected city structure.

The Parade

On the last Sunday of October, the creations took center stage in a vibrant High Street parade through Ealing town center. Families, children, and people of all ages joined the celebration, showcasing their wearable architectural sculptures in a community event that reimagined the built environment. The parade was a testament to the power of collective creativity and the importance of engaging young minds in urban development and sustainability.

Historical Context

The idea of wearable architecture is not entirely new. Throughout history, artists and architects have experimented with this concept. Picasso created wearable buildings for the Parade Ballet, and the avant-garde British architectural group Archigram proposed revolutionary projects like the Cushicle and Suitaloon in the 1960s. These mobile structures were equipped with heating systems, helmets with radios and mini TVs, modules for food and water, and protective envelopes, envisioning a future where architecture becomes portable and personalized.

Sol Golden Sato’s Vision

Sol Golden Sato’s approach to public art is characterized by community engagement, interactivity, and educational initiatives. His projects often address social and environmental issues, using art to raise awareness and provoke thought. WE AR’ THE CITY is a perfect example of how Sato’s work inspires and empowers communities, making a significant impact on both local and global scales.