“Friendship is the greatest of worldly goods, certainly to me it is the chief happiness of life. If I had to give a piece of advice to a young man about a place to live, I think I should say, ‘sacrifice almost everything to live where you can be near your friends.’” - C.S. Lewis
This is corroborated by trends in coliving, cohousing, ans the village movement. My work is all about designing village-scale communities that allow us to live sustainably, self-sufficiently, and meaningfully with others. What you say about Americans and the way we "lork" (live through our work) echoes one of my favorite quotes about architecture: "The spaces we design design us back".
Joel what you guys are doing with West Village is fantastic. I love that reframe at the end, it's not that American's don't want to socialize, it's that they don't get the opportunity because the built environment sucks so much.
I moved to Spain 5 years ago and when I go back to visit my parents in the U.S I'm reminded of the fact that I need to get into a car for EVERYTHING. This has so many ripple effects. It makes me want to leave the house less simply because of how much activation energy it takes.
If you've lived in a place your whole life where cars are mandatory and then move to a place where cars are optional it's like discovering Narnia, highly recommend.
Thank you very much Brian! I have had similar experiences from visiting my wife's family in the Netherlands - the contrast from going back and forth is pretty wild. My aim is partially to build some of that wonderful western European urbanism to the United States!
I love this! Living near friends can transform daily life. The West Village Courtyard Homes are a fantastic example of how thoughtful design fosters social connections and combats loneliness. It’s inspiring to see this concept gaining recognition and acceptance. Great read!
America was built around the automobile, while Europe is much older and walked! I live in a neighborhood where people do walk and say hello, but then retreat to their houses. It's quite lonely. It takes more than walkable streets, it takes social spaces where we can hang out indoors and outdoors together within the neighborhood. I'm desperate for a walkable, sociable world.
This is corroborated by trends in coliving, cohousing, ans the village movement. My work is all about designing village-scale communities that allow us to live sustainably, self-sufficiently, and meaningfully with others. What you say about Americans and the way we "lork" (live through our work) echoes one of my favorite quotes about architecture: "The spaces we design design us back".
Keep writing about projects like this!
Love the quote Nicole!
Joel what you guys are doing with West Village is fantastic. I love that reframe at the end, it's not that American's don't want to socialize, it's that they don't get the opportunity because the built environment sucks so much.
I moved to Spain 5 years ago and when I go back to visit my parents in the U.S I'm reminded of the fact that I need to get into a car for EVERYTHING. This has so many ripple effects. It makes me want to leave the house less simply because of how much activation energy it takes.
If you've lived in a place your whole life where cars are mandatory and then move to a place where cars are optional it's like discovering Narnia, highly recommend.
Thank you very much Brian! I have had similar experiences from visiting my wife's family in the Netherlands - the contrast from going back and forth is pretty wild. My aim is partially to build some of that wonderful western European urbanism to the United States!
I love this! Living near friends can transform daily life. The West Village Courtyard Homes are a fantastic example of how thoughtful design fosters social connections and combats loneliness. It’s inspiring to see this concept gaining recognition and acceptance. Great read!
Thank you Amber!
love the C.S.Lewis quote as well
always inspiring content
Thank you Rob!
Love it Joel, keep it coming!
Would love to see a book/media/life experience list that has informed your philosophy of site design and user-oriented development outcomes.
America was built around the automobile, while Europe is much older and walked! I live in a neighborhood where people do walk and say hello, but then retreat to their houses. It's quite lonely. It takes more than walkable streets, it takes social spaces where we can hang out indoors and outdoors together within the neighborhood. I'm desperate for a walkable, sociable world.
Keep it coming Joel. We need places like this in the US. Also reminds me of an article I recently read that fits with your thesis and your might enjoy: https://unchartedterritories.tomaspueyo.com/p/how-to-make-cities-safe.