That is most definitely true, but the article above was focussing a bit too much on the city side, so I felt compelled to highlight other important contributors to this increasing solitude. Cities here often have energetic city centres, with lots of bars, terraces and shops, so people nearly always have a place to come together. I noticed when I went to Canada (which is basically America-Light) that there was a distinct lack of space that belonged to everyone. The fact that a mall of all places is considered the main meeting point, even being a trope says something about the lack of public open spaces (and also about the consumer-centric American society but that's a whole different discussion). I'll definitely work on something! The only problem is that all these things are related and that makes it hard to choose what exactly I want to talk about. But I'll try to work something out.I would say that for example, cities in the the Netherlands tend to be better structured for more social interaction.
Anyway, I'd be interested in reading more about this from an urban planning perspective, so I do hope you'll take some time to put something together.
veen, all topics are big topics. Take a piece of it, start small. For example, show us one area of your town and how it works to break down loneliness. The mall is a main meeting point because it's cold from November to April. The malls are heated. In summer people go to the outdoor public open spaces and sit on grass - yes even in Canada. A lot of Canadian cities have extensive underground malls as well. Of course, the indoor spaces, and all spaces could be designed better to encourage more interactions.The fact that a mall of all places is considered the main meeting point, even being a trope says something about the lack of public open spaces
I agree that that's difficult. Though, the nice thing about having one's own blog is that one can post whatever one would like. For example, one could create several posts exploring a particular topic to the creator's satisfaction :) Oh, that is a hornet's nest :) But, it is true that urban planning in Canada and the US are very, very similar.The only problem is that all these things are related and that makes it hard to choose what exactly I want to talk about.
I noticed when I went to Canada (which is basically America-Light) that there was a distinct lack of space that belonged to everyone.
True, but it's hard to post what I like when I don't yet fully understand what I like and want to show the world. Hah, I know! Meant it on a city level. When I came to Canada to visit the Edmonton / Calgary / Rockies, I found it to fit my image of what America looks like pretty good. Especially the huge supermarkets, large highways and sprawl here and there. The small towns with a Main Street filled with fastfood drive-throughs. This was before I started studying urban planning though. Very interesting nonetheless.Though, the nice thing about having one's own blog is that one can post whatever one would like.
Oh, that is a hornet's nest :)