We must start by pushing back against "diversity is our strength". What you describe without using the word is solidarity. Diversity is the enemy of solidarity, and so diversity is our weakness. We need to be able to segregate by race/religion/culture. Outcomes will vary - so be it.
I just wrote a long piece about a very similar thing. You get it. We need hundreds of thousands of towns and *small* cities, connected by rail. Revive 19th-century, elevated living.
I go on walks with my parents to keep them in shape, but how much better could it be if it was feasible to walk anywhere you needed to go, a lot better
I think you and your readers would get a lot out of the book A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander which tries to identify the timeless physical elements of towns, neighborhoods, buildings, and houses that contribute to the creation of belonging, community, and human connection. Online at: https://arl.human.cornell.edu/linked%20docs/Alexander_A_Pattern_Language.pdf
I agree with your analysis. This is not a case of build it and they will come. If that was the case then you wouldn't see high-density condominiums or townhouse complexes where people don't even know the names of others living on their floor. The greater issue is not one of engineering and zoning/infrastructure, but rather re-enchanting people and undoing the social atomisation that most people have seemingly volunteered for.
We must start by pushing back against "diversity is our strength". What you describe without using the word is solidarity. Diversity is the enemy of solidarity, and so diversity is our weakness. We need to be able to segregate by race/religion/culture. Outcomes will vary - so be it.
I just wrote a long piece about a very similar thing. You get it. We need hundreds of thousands of towns and *small* cities, connected by rail. Revive 19th-century, elevated living.
I go on walks with my parents to keep them in shape, but how much better could it be if it was feasible to walk anywhere you needed to go, a lot better
I think you and your readers would get a lot out of the book A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander which tries to identify the timeless physical elements of towns, neighborhoods, buildings, and houses that contribute to the creation of belonging, community, and human connection. Online at: https://arl.human.cornell.edu/linked%20docs/Alexander_A_Pattern_Language.pdf
I agree with your analysis. This is not a case of build it and they will come. If that was the case then you wouldn't see high-density condominiums or townhouse complexes where people don't even know the names of others living on their floor. The greater issue is not one of engineering and zoning/infrastructure, but rather re-enchanting people and undoing the social atomisation that most people have seemingly volunteered for.
>(keep the sex jokes out of my comment section)
If you insist, but you have to acknowledge you've basically gone and said that friendship is magic.
(EDIT: I am in a Zoom meeting with Boomers and have had a pint-sized potboiler.)