Name: The ghastly tragedy of the suburbs
Uploaded: 2007-05-12T08:20:00Z
Duration: 19 min 31 s
Description: In James Howard Kunstler's view, public spaces should be inspired centers of civic life and the physical manifestation of the common good. Instead, he argues, what we have in America is a nation of places not worth caring about.

In James Howard Kunstler's view, public spaces should be inspired centers of civic life and the physical manifestation of the common good. Instead, he argues, what we have in America is a nation of places not worth caring about.

The ghastly tragedy of the suburbs

Modern American landscapes are filled with places not worth caring about, from endless strip malls to soulless public spaces. Over 38,000 such places have emerged, draining meaning from daily life and breaking the connection between people and community. The loss of thoughtful civic design after World War II left public spaces that foster apathy and despair instead of belonging. To rebuild hope and resilience, cities must prioritize vibrant, human-scaled environments and prepare for a future shaped by local living.

Suburban Sprawl Erodes Civic Life And the American Spirit

architecture

cities

consumerism

culture

design

energy

transportation

renewable energy

TED Stage Talk

James Howard Kunstler: The ghastly tragedy of the suburbs