Know your neighbors
Know your neighbors
Architecture plays a significant role in how communities are developed and prosper. Because of this, I despised private "gated communities". These institutions may prove a great way of life but could be better in creating camaraderie and unity in the development of young lives. Our lives are not picture perfect, but isolating ourselves in these communities for safety reasons is not the answer. Life is complicated, and we only add crutches to our societies by embedding ourselves in these social fortresses.
Design within everyday space must start with an understanding and acceptance of the life that takes place there.
Playing safe is not the answer; we must understand and endure the constraints of life. Regardless of who your neighbor is, know your neighbors!
Edgar, I'd never thought about this before! Growing up I lived in a couple different neighborhoods including one that I lived in the longest, a gated neighborhood. Even though that was the one I spent most of my years in it was always the most disconnected from any neighbors that lived by and yes definitely felt very isolated from reality. I think a big part of this desire of a gated community comes from 2 different wants, to feel exclusive or for social standing or fear of others. Maybe the way architecture can play a role is creating more public gathering spaces and maybe walkways for neighbors to meet and get to know each other?
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