Author, Jan Gehl, is describing factors that influence people to be outside and involved in the community. Three of the factors are activities that are "necessary, optional and social." Necessary activities are those that are done independent of the neighborhood and environment which include things like going to work or the doctor's office. Optional activities are activities which are greatly affected by the neighborhood and the exterior environment. Finally, social activities are those activities which are dependent on the other two, necessary and optional activities. Furthermore, people in a neighborhood have a "need for contact" and a "need for stimulation."
All of these needs and activities can be enhanced or hindered by the quality of the outdoor space. For example, the author states that when conditions outside are poor, people prefer to stay indoors. This phenomenon is a central component to consider when considering sustainability. I don't see a way that a community can be sustainable and healthy when its citizens are deteriorating indoors. That doesn't make for an active community or country.
This is something which needs to be included in the definition of sustainability -- That it enhances the quality of life by satisfying the "need for contact" and the "need for stimulation."
No comments:
Post a Comment