I loved this reflection on why it's so hard in the US to find spaces that invite connection! It reminds me of this recent issue of Iberica by Roberta Cavaglià: https://iberica.substack.com/p/il-diritto-a-sedersi, about "the right to sit" in public spaces. Taking one step further the idea that in the US "everyone is the master of their own small fiefdom," the cultural aspect shaping urban design in this country is also capitalism: in order to find a place to sit and socialize, you must make a purchase (at a bar, café, etc.). So much for the "land of the free" :) I think about my hometown Bologna, and how many people gather in Piazza Maggiore or Piazza Santo Stefano on a sunny weekend afternoon to simply sit on church steps and chat "for free"... in the US, you'd probably get police sending you off for "loitering".
This article really resonates with me too! And Enrica, you truly speak my language. You have no idea how many times I say, “The way cities are structured in the US is a big issue when it comes to socializing.” Here, the square just isn’t a thing — and I miss it so, so much. Just being out with friends, doing nothing but watching the city come alive… I miss that deeply.
I loved this reflection on why it's so hard in the US to find spaces that invite connection! It reminds me of this recent issue of Iberica by Roberta Cavaglià: https://iberica.substack.com/p/il-diritto-a-sedersi, about "the right to sit" in public spaces. Taking one step further the idea that in the US "everyone is the master of their own small fiefdom," the cultural aspect shaping urban design in this country is also capitalism: in order to find a place to sit and socialize, you must make a purchase (at a bar, café, etc.). So much for the "land of the free" :) I think about my hometown Bologna, and how many people gather in Piazza Maggiore or Piazza Santo Stefano on a sunny weekend afternoon to simply sit on church steps and chat "for free"... in the US, you'd probably get police sending you off for "loitering".
This article really resonates with me too! And Enrica, you truly speak my language. You have no idea how many times I say, “The way cities are structured in the US is a big issue when it comes to socializing.” Here, the square just isn’t a thing — and I miss it so, so much. Just being out with friends, doing nothing but watching the city come alive… I miss that deeply.
"spaces designed to move through, not to linger in." this is a spot-on reflection!! !!