99% Invisible He's Still Neutral
Jul 31, 2019
Phoebe Judge, host of the podcast Criminal, joins Oakland resident Dan Stevenson, who installed a Buddha statue outside his home, and Kurt Kolstad, a digital director. They discuss how the Buddha became an unexpected community gathering spot, transforming a neighborhood burdened by trash into a sacred place. The trio also explores urban design's role in fostering communal ties, the impact of public art on crime dynamics, and how spirituality can offer a sense of belonging in challenging environments.
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Buddha's Arrival
- Dan Stevenson, tired of crime and garbage dumping near his Oakland home, erected a Buddha statue.
- He chose Buddha for the statue's neutrality, hoping it would deter illegal activity.
The Last Straw
- The tipping point for Dan wasn't major crimes, but a large pile of garbage dumped on a traffic diverter.
- He and his wife, Lou, decided on a Buddha statue as a solution.
Act First, Ask Later
- When dealing with bureaucracy, sometimes it's better to act first and ask for permission later.
- This was Dan's approach with the Buddha statue installation.