3 ms·
That's bleak. And in the American context unnecessarily dystopian. US has no need for soul crushing housing towers since our cities do not have to handle a tida
by trgn 5y ago
That's bleak. And in the American context unnecessarily dystopian. US has no need for soul crushing housing towers since our cities do not have to handle a tidal wave of new incomers from the countryside. US needs smart infill. So many metros are so dispersed, depopulated even.
The vision that we need to paint is one of density and verdancy, at the same time. Of single family homes, but maybe with smaller yards, but impeccably maintained. Single family homes with a granny flat in the back, for granny when she's infirm, or for uncle joe who failed to launch. 4-5 story apartment buildings everywhere. More rail, for sure, but also more biking and walking. Space efficient housing for vagrants and students housing with with small rooms and common areas. Mansions for the C-level suite, but shotguns for their personal assistants. Back-to-back, in the same neighborhood.
The vision of the american city of the future is not Beijing, it's the lush verdancy of Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans. But not only for tourists. For everybody. That is the future, even better (yes, better!), than what we have now.