The War on Cars
EXTRA: Cars as a Virus with Hermann Knoflacher
Oct 29, 2024
Hermann Knoflacher, a renowned Austrian civil engineer and professor, discusses the controversial analogy of cars as a virus. He critiques traditional urban planning, advocating for walkable spaces symbolized by his invention, the gehzeug. Knoflacher reflects on childhood transportation changes, emphasizing the loss of car-free environments and their environmental impact. He argues for policy shifts that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists and calls for innovative urban design post-pandemic to enhance public transport and reduce congestion.
31:07
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Quick takeaways
- Professor Hermann Knoflacher's Gehzeug critiques car culture by illustrating the excessive public space consumed by automobiles, prompting a reevaluation of urban design priorities.
- Knoflacher argues for a cultural shift in urban planning that emphasizes pedestrian needs over car dependence, advocating for policies that enhance sustainable transportation options.
Deep dives
The Concept of the Getzoig
The Getzoig, or Walkmobile, created by Professor Hermann Knopflocher, serves as an innovative critique of automobile dependence and spatial inefficiency in urban environments. Designed as a wearable wooden frame, it illustrates how vehicles occupy public space and prompts reflections on the absurdity of car culture. The idea emerged from Knopflocher's own experiences with traffic congestion, leading him to challenge societal norms regarding space allocation for cars versus pedestrians. Since its inception in 1975, the Getzoig has evolved into a significant protest tool for advocates of livable and sustainable streets globally.
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