A friend recently sent me this piece written by Lewis Mumford in 1958. The basic argument is that the car has destroyed American cities. Urban designers have prioritized the automobile at the demise of all other forms of transportation, and it’s negatively affected the lives of citygoers. Highways have cut apart cities and communities, and people rely on the car way too much.
It’s worth the read.
I’m incredibly impressed with his foresight because the car problem has just gotten worse and worse. We need pedestrian and bike friendly cities! He specifically talks about Linjbaan in Rotterdam (pictured above, courtesy of Mei Architects via archpaper.com) as a prime example of a planned pedestrian corridor in an urban environment. Though it feels a bit like an outdoor mall, I get the idea. But, I’m going to stop writing because I want you to read the article. Enjoy.