Americans are hungry for community. So why don't we have European-style squares?
13 hours ago
- #urban-planning
- #walkability
- #travel
- Elizabeth Ruane and her family enjoyed the communal market in Lüneburg, Germany, highlighting the social aspect missing in the U.S.
- Jessica Ketcham admired Place Bellecour in Lyon, France, for its beauty and cultural activities.
- American travelers experience reverse culture shock upon returning to the U.S., missing the walkable, social squares of Europe.
- European cities prioritize walkability and public squares, contrasting with car-centric U.S. urban planning.
- Exceptions in the U.S. include Savannah, Charleston, Santa Fe, and St. Augustine, which have historic squares.
- Many American public squares are underutilized or commercialized, lacking the communal feel of European piazzas.
- Post-WWII U.S. urban development favored suburbs and cars, while Europe maintained walkable city centers.
- New developments like Culdesac Tempe in Arizona aim to create walkable, car-free communities inspired by European models.
- Demand for walkable communities is growing in the U.S., but significant changes face logistical and cultural challenges.
- Travel experiences in Europe inspire Americans to seek more communal, walkable lifestyles at home.