21 Swings (21 Balançoires)

Location /  Montréal, Canada

Architects / Daily tous les jours

Year / 2011

Part of Musical Swings Series

Musical Swings is an urban interactive installation that stimulates human connections in public spaces. Imagined as a collective experience, the work invites people of all ages and backgrounds to make music together. It’s an intuitive game, where cooperation between participants unlocks secret melodies, encouraging collaboration and an active awareness of others.  

Created in 2011, the installation has become a celebrated icon of Montreal’s entertainment district, returning seasonally every spring. As a result of its success, a touring version of the Musical Swings was created and has been travelling the world, receiving a number of international awards and recognitions. A new permanent version of the work is also available for cities around the world.

Cooperation is rewarded when participants swing in synchronicity; triggering secret, more complex, melodies. This collaborative exercise encourages intuitive play and experimentation without requiring any musical knowledge, allowing the public to become co-authors of a constantly evolving composition.

Collective experiences have the power to break down the social barriers that prevent us from interacting in public space. The cooperative nature of the installation transforms unusual and underused sites into thriving destinations that are welcoming for all. Over time, new urban habits are adopted by the public, creating a new sense of ownership over the shared space. When asked about the Musical Swings, participants have repeatedly testified to feeling renewed pride for their city.