06.16.2009

Cars & Community

A few weeks ago, ULI CEO Rick Rosan issued a statement in response to President Obama's proposal to raise vehicle fuel-efficiency requirements and impose new auto emissions standards.  Rosan's message struck a chord with me, closely mirroring an idea that I have espoused for some time now.  While it is very important to be concerned with the amount of pollution created by automobiles, it is just as crucial to realize that there are other ecological and social dangers associated with driving which can never be corrected by fuel efficiency standards. 

Urban sprawl, the unplanned, unattractive, and unwieldy growth of cities and towns away from the city center, actually began here in America as a result of the ease and availability of the automobile.  In fact, some historians claim that sprawl can be intimately linked to the advent of the drive-in burger stand, now known as fast food (i.e. McDonalds and Burger King). Urban sprawl has been linked to obesity, higher auto accident fatalities, a decline in land and water quantity and quality, and some even say that it contributes to lower social capital.  If these problems weren't enough to get you thinking, auto dependency and urban sprawl also nurture isolation and depression, and, as the movie Subdivided explores, has led to the very real decline of community.

Rosen says "The greenest car is the one that is not needed for every trip to get from one place to another. Well-planned, compact development that reduces auto dependency is as critical to protecting the environment as cars that use less fuel."  This is something I completely agree with, from both a 'green' standpoint as well as for the sake of community.  When my team is invited to design a space, whether for a large development or a single clubhouse, our first step is to explore the area's demographic.  What makes these people similar?  What makes them unique?  What do they love to do with their free time?  How can all of these factors be considered and combined to create a space or spaces that speak to the viewer, create energy, and foster interaction? 

Through the years, I've found that one of the most important factors to creating a community that makes its inhabitants really want to get out, enjoy it, and enjoy each other, is walkability.  It's common sense, really.  Which would you rather do - take a leisurely walk down to the clubhouse for dinner and cocktails, or drive to Applebee's to meet up with friends?  Stroll over to catch up on gossip at the boutique around the corner, or drive to Wal-Mart to shop the specials?  I'd love to know your point of view on the subject.  Read the ULI statement here, and feel free to write us at info@marycook.com for more information on how our approach to creating what author Ray Oldenburg calls 'third places' helps create and nurture community.