2X2 Distancing Squares | 2020

2×2 Distancing Squares project started in my local parks in London during the 2020 lockdown. I take measuring tape to ensure the prescribed distance of 2 meters, and then ‘draw’ squares with whatever I can find on the ground: leaves, flowers, feathers, discarded newspapers… On rainy days I make squares inside either with materials such as tape (left over from other projects) or furniture.

Most people reacted very positively. My best compliment came from the local children saying they really like the squares, ‘customizing’ some by adding more lines and using them to play at a safe distance. The adults usually point out how the distance seems much larger than they thought it would be.

My squares do not bring more rubbish into the world but use nature and found materials to help us visualize and understand this specific distance. As well as continuing to make squares at least one per day, I am now working on a large scale proposal that can help bigger groups maintain safe distance.