I agree with the readings and the video by Jan Gehl fro Copenhagen, Denmark about the speed of the built environment affecting population's green space and the affect on social living. I found it quite interesting since I have never thought along that concept of urbanization and living. Reducing green space means reducing space for gathering, social activity, physical activity and relationships. Mega cities are the root of the lack of green space, resulting from advancement in architecture, and that Gehl's describes as 20, 60 and 120 miles per hour. The rapid growth of buildings isolates the people and crowds them with the amount of traffic and buildings. Gehl's concept of living with a good and active quality of life in an urbanized city is promising and needs attention now.
I do believe that having an efficient transiting system will serve the communities well who live in an urban and cosmopolitan city. When I traveled in Europe, their transportation system is efficient and everyone walked there. Despite their rich diet of carbs and cheeses, don't forget the wine, very few people are overweight. There aren't an abundance of fast food places either. I think the car is way too convenient and there are laws that enforce drivers to be mindful of bicyclist and pedestrians, even in Fresno.
Hey Michelle, you're spot on about the adverse effects of highly dense urban environments. Having access to open space with sunlight is important not only for patients' mental well-being but also adequate production of Vitamin D. There is a wealth of EBP which backs this up. Many, especially people of color, in inner urban areas are disproportionately affected and experience decreases in Vitamin D levels.
ReplyDeleteEurope, and East Asia's transit systems are light-years ahead of ours. Fossil fuel companies will remain obtuse at every turn.
Hi Michelle, I agreed with you that having access to open space with sunlight is important not only for patients' mental well-being but also adequate production of Vitamin D. But such intervention is too far from helping the residents of the BVHP neighborhood. Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood has historically been the industrial center of the City of San Francisco. The area’s land uses include a mix of industrial and residential uses, together with some of the City’s major freight transportation system. Due to this pattern of development, the health of local residents has been affected by environmental contamination of the community’s soil, water, and air.I strongly advised that the BVHP neighborhood deserves a better strategies to reduce the harmful effects of the toxins in their community.
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