Urban Aesthetics

Following up on last week's talk with Thomas Sieverts at the City of Seattle Council Chambers, it was impressive to hear an international perspective from the German Urban Planner / Architect. Mr. Sieverts primarily presented two thesis ideas to the committee.

1.) The importance of Urban Aesthetics.
An urban landscape devoid of aesthetic is one that fails to create emotion in the people who live there. This lack of emotions leads to a lack of care and stewardship by residents. We must begin to create a places (both physically and culturally) where those who live in them have emotional connections. This may mean actual physical improvements and/or delving into a community "story." History, legend, and story have a great contribution in place-making.

2.) The need to address the growing number of folks with disposable time. Need for a new form of politics. This new politic speaks to a cultural "awakening." It also addresses the physical environment to create a more liveable urban landscape. When people can "discover" their own neighborhoods and towns by foot, there is a renewed sense of belonging.

One important comment was made about repeated patterns. When patterns are repeated, there is a loss of connection and uniqueness (ie. big box stores, suburban subdivision). Local governments and enlightened community development professionals would be well to consider this psycholigical reality. We must look discretely at place and patterns and how people relate to their surroundings. Can development "encourage" walking? Can urban landscapes give us an appreciation of the natural world, and provide incentives for stewardship?