Last week, the Brooklyn Paper reported on a curious roadblock that appeared overnight on Van Brunt Street in Red Hook. Painted fluorescent green and standing seven feet tall, it was a study in contrasts to the ugly grey jersey barriers we’re used to. Different still, it was not meant to stop traffic, but to slow the traffic that’s increased and killed one woman since Fairway supermarket opened last year.

The installation reminded us immediately of David Engwicht’s atypical traffic calming techniques like the Street Reclaiming Throne. These “mental speed bumps” use intrigue and uncertainty to catch the attention of drivers, causing them to slow down to take a better look. And because drivers will eventually get used to the sight of a man holding an umbrella in a giant purple upholstered chair or kids playing on the sidewalk, he advocates more permanent ways to slow cars like perceptively narrowing the street width.

A source close to the artist said he is planning more installations. For more inspiration, check out Michael Konrad’s rolling jersey barrier, 2 Tons of “Take That!” (on wheels).

Photo by The Brooklyn Paper / Chris Curen.