Social Urbanism

Social UrbanismAmerican urban lifestyles have been dictated by the automobile since the 60s. In addition, recent decades have seen an explosion in social media, leading to Americans becoming more disconnected from their communities. Separation due to technology and social media, as well as poor planning, has created inhumane urban conditions. Air quality, open space and safety are often lacking. Can social architecture and planning cure a dying American city? This

American urban lifestyles have been dictated by the automobile since the 60Õs. In addition, recent decades have seen an explosion in social media, leading to Americans becoming more disconnected from their communities. Separation due to technology and social media, as well as poor planning, has created inhumane urban conditions. Air quality, open space and safety are often lacking. Can social architecture and planning cure a dying American city?

This thesis will explore current and progressive planning trends, as well as, concepts that begin to prescribe the desired urban living condition. Social Urbanism is the philosophy that people, politics, architecture, and urbanism come together to form a healthy social environment within the city.

Using building materials and techniques familiar to the Northwest this project gives the residents a public structure they can identify with. Well connected to public transportation and pedestrian/bike networks it becomes a focal point and social hub for the city.