The Burbs

The decades following the end of WWII saw millions of Americans move to the suburbs. With uncontrolled urban rent prices and the financial incentives available through the GI Bill, for many Americans, this was the only means to home ownership. For the past 65 years, Americans have debated suburban living, decrying it for its class separation, lack of mobility, and monotonous environment while also desiring it for its cheap prices and perceived sense of community.

Our most recent economic recession seemed to slow suburban development while re-energizing America's desire for urban living. Economics in conjunction with an American youth perception that 'nothing happens in the suburbs' because 'we grew up in the suburbs and know nothing happens there' has resulted in a recent urban migration. 

As a result, the suburbs will need to change. Enormous developments, strip malls, and suburban office parks may need to be re-purposed to align with contemporary needs. As architects we will be given a second chance. Neighborhoods and commercial developments once decried by design minds for their sterile designs and car-focused mobility will need re visioning. Let's do it the right way. 

- Also, I think this would make a great studio project. Re-vision the new Hartwell Village strip mall at Highway 123 and Old Greenville Highway because let's be honest they picked the worst stores possible to go in there and it will be empty for years.