Happy City Lab is an organisation that specialises in creating participative experiences in urban spaces. Founded by Dan Acher, the group has been experimenting with public spaces since 2005, aiming to disrupt routines and foster connections among city dwellers.
Their projects range from small-scale interventions to large-scale events, often incorporating art and interactive elements. For instance, their installation "Borealis" brings the experience of the Northern Lights to cities worldwide, while "We Are Watching" features a monumental eye made up of thousands of portraits contributed from 190 countries, highlighting climate action.
Happy City Lab's approach is rooted in the belief that shared experiences can inspire a sense of belonging and community pride. Their installations and events are designed to be free and accessible to the public, and have been featured in international travel guides and replicated in various cities.
The organisation's work is influenced by the "situationist" movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which sought to break the routine of daily life and create extraordinary experiences. Happy City Lab's team, including Dan Acher, collaborates with various artists, designers, and partners to bring their projects to life.
With a presence in Geneva, Switzerland, Happy City Lab has worked on projects globally, from Australia to the UAE. Their mission is to explore what enables strangers to meet and share experiences, and to scale up this impact across communities and cities.