An new exhibition opened on Friday at the Van Alen Institute in New York City. The Good Life explores "the reinvention of urban public spaces to meet the demands of 21st century recreation and leisure."

The Good Life, we read, "will showcase the most promising paradigms of how 21st century leisure – recreation, fun, education, relaxation – is being designed into the everyday physical realm of the built environment. (...) This exhibition illustrates how such spaces play an essential role in elevating the quality of daily life and urban regeneration. In the current political and social climate it is important that public spaces have strong identities and engaging programs that are accessible to a variety of cultures and different economic groups."

Featured architects include Martha Schwartz, Ken Smith, Weiss/Manfredi Architects, Vito Acconci, SHoP Architects, Diller, Scofidio + Renfro, Walter Hood, David Adjaye, West 8, FAT and Thomas Heatherwick.

(Via The Dirt)