The City After the Automobile: An Architect’s Vision
1. Introduction
Moshe Safdie is an outstanding modern architect, who in 1997 published “The City After the Automobile: An Architect’s Vision” – a book, which is something to savor. In it, Safdie develops his critique of the car and its impact on the city, and offers his vision of the city after the automobile.
2. Moshe Safdie’s “The City After the Automobile: An Architect’s Vision”
2. 1. The Car and the City
As Safdie notes, the car has had a profound impact on the city (p. 3). It has led to the development of suburbs, and has made it possible for people to live further away from their work or from urban amenities. This has had a number of negative consequences, including increased traffic congestion, air pollution, and a loss of community feeling. It has also resulted in a decline in the quality of public space, as more and more space is given over to parking.
2. 2. The Shopping Mall
One of the most significant consequences of the car is the development of suburban shopping malls (p. 9). These malls are typically located on the outskirts of cities, and are accessible only by car. They have had a devastating effect on city centers, as they have siphoned off businesses and shoppers. This has led to a decline in the quality of life in city centers, as they become increasingly empty and derelict.
2. 3. The Linear Center
Safdie proposes an alternative to the suburban shopping mall – the linear center (p. 11). This is a type of development that is located along a transit line, and is therefore accessible by public transportation as well as by car. This would allow people to shop without having to use their cars, and would help to revitalize city centers.
2. 4. The Private Space and the Public Realm
Another consequence of the car is the decline of the public realm (p. 13). This is the result of two factors: first, the increased use of private space (such as driveways and garages); and second, the decline in funding for public space (such as parks and sidewalks). This has led to a loss of community feeling, as people become increasingly isolated from each other.
2. 5. The Car and the City After the Automobile
In conclusion, Safdie argues that we need to rethink our relationship with the car (p. 15). He advocates for electric cars, which would be quieter and cleaner than traditional cars. He also calls for changes to parking policies, such as charging for parking in residential areas. And he urges us to rethink suburban shopping malls, which he believes are detrimental to cities.
3. Conclusion
In “The City After the Automobile: An Architect’s Vision”, Moshe Safdie offers a scathing critique of the car and its impact on the city. He also provides an alternative vision of the city, which would be more sustainable and livable. This is a book that should be required reading for anyone who is interested in urban planning.