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| © MetropolitanmomentuM |
Architecture
is more than isolated structures, and cities are more than a sum of buildings connected by infrastructure built around
the car. They are designed environments. And, they can be planned to be interconnected, efficient, and more human. Therefore as
more people experience life in cities, it creates opportunities to provide
the right balance between man-made structures and nature within smaller denser
populated city boundaries.
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| © MetropolitanmomentuM |
The
way one may experience the city and its architecture is directly influenced by
the chosen means of transportation. If the city and its architecture are designed around pedestrians, walking takes
priority. Walking can be the most enjoyable experience one can have
while moving through the city. Entire communities can
appreciate its pedestrian friendly architecture, public art, streets,
infrastructure, and parks more frequently. And, it all becomes part of their daily
lives. This intimate experience with the
city is followed by other means of transportation such as bicycling/skating, using public
transit, and driving cars. Driving private motor
vehicles is, in fact, the most detached experience currently
available. But, for many people driving is the
most convenient way to get around or their only way to get around.
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| © MetropolitanmomentuM |
Each means of transportation comes with its own speed of travel and its own freedom of mobility. The slower one is able to travel while having the most freedom to move around the city, the most meaningful the experience is. Walking offers all of this. And in most cases, pedestrian friendly environments are a necessity in highly populated cities. Also, diverse environments are essential to people living in denser areas. They provide a multitude of activities and choices for people to enjoy. Consequently, cities having businesses at street level with accessible parks and open green areas become great places to live year-round. They provide the appropriate mix necessary to enjoy life in modern metropolises. And, parks are at the very heart of a well-balanced metropolis.
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| © MetropolitanmomentuM |
Nature
brings equilibrium in people’s lives.
Thus, urban parks and urban gardens help to
reconnect humans with our natural environment becoming vital to a good
quality of life. They invigorate
and stimulate the human body and mind.
Moreover, parks allow for a multitude of activities in ways no other urban
space can.
Ultimately, new
and existing structures can be designed/redesigned for human needs while
working symbiotically with nature. Advocating for
buildings and infrastructure to be designed prioritizing humans while recognizing
our innate relationship with our natural environment is fundamental. Thus, man-made structures designed from their conception to work symbiotically together with Nature is not only entirely possible, it is necessary.
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| © MetropolitanmomentuM |
