Caffeinated Simpleton - Latest Comments in The American Suburbs

Re: The American Suburbs

justin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:55:15 -0000

I agree with the point about public spaces. However, I'm not so optimistic about solving it. Unless there's a really huge backlash from our generation (as one of the first to really grow up entirely in the suburbs), I think we're just going to see more of the same.

My solution is to try living in the city, at least while I'm young and single.

Re: The American Suburbs

Dave — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:45:50 -0000

I've actually been thinking a LOT about this lately. I watched a TED video somewhere about this exact issue. Their observation dealt entirely with public spaces. In American suburbs, we've completely destroyed the idea that people can commune in a public space, even to the point that there isn't anyplace to be proud of inside suburbs anymore.

For example, walk through a European city and you will find many public spots that are even filled with shopping spots. These spots all push right up against the sidewalk and promote a social atmosphere. Contrast this to a typical American suburb and the difference is staggering. These spots simply do not exist at all. The trouble is, it would be TRIVIAL to have places like this. Many small businesses try to make themselves look more professional by putting a few steps up to the building, maybe throwing some shrubs or plants in front of the building. This is exactly the wrong thing to do.

A bit of a rant, but I think this problem is solvable within our lifetimes. We just need to promote public spaces that are clean, fun, and easy to get to. It might even solve itself.

Re: The American Suburbs

Rob — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:09:20 -0000

Don't forget to include Australia in your comparisons..
Possibly the fact that cities could be built where-ever was required - and not for historical reasons? Australia has so much of it's population tied up in the state capitals - everything else barely rates mention as a "city". (And by city - I'm mainly referring to the sprawling suburbs around the outside) Just looked up wikipedia an 12 million out of 12 million people live in our 5 biggest cities!

http://maps.google.com/?ie=...