Trends: Cocktails on the streets

The pavement is having a renaissance, and not just because smokers are lighting up outside bars. Artists are tapping into the "outside-in" trend, noted by designer Fabio Novembre as a key development for 2008 at the Cologne furniture fair.

Luke Jerram ( www.lukejerram.com) and the Fierce Arts Organisation decided last week to place 15 pianos on the streets in and around Manchester for the next couple of weeks, for anyone to play as they please.

Meanwhile the architect and designer Florian Brillet ( www.florianbrillet.com) has devised the "Parasite Urbain pour Bistrot" (PUB), which turns any pavement into a party: just strap an adjustable drinks table (pictured) to the bollard or lamp-post and enjoy an alfresco tipple.

Thanks to thefuturelaboratory.com