99% Invisible

Beneath the Skyway

Jan 26, 2021

Katie Thornton, a journalist and Minneapolis resident, discusses the intriguing skyway systems of the Twin Cities. These climate-controlled pedestrian bridges were initially celebrated but are now critiqued for excluding certain communities and diminishing street life. Thornton explores the socio-economic impacts and architectural lessons learned from the skyways. She emphasizes the need to balance urban infrastructure with equitable access, sparking a discussion on the broader implications for community engagement and street-level commerce.

43:15

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Episode guests

Katie Thornton

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

The Skyway Paradox

6min

Transformations of the Twin Cities: The Skyway Story

18min

Skyways and Urban Dynamics

9min

Unpacking Minneapolis Sound: Diversity and Disparity

6min

Urban Dynamics and the Skyway Dilemma

5min

Cities around the world have distinctive modes of transportation -- the canals of Venice, the double-decker busses of London, and the Twin Cities (of Minneapolis and St. Paul) have skyways. In both downtowns, there are vast networks of climate-controlled pedestrian bridges that reach over the streets and connect adjacent buildings. They were long viewed as modern marvels, but a lot of residents and urban planners want them gone. For critics, skyways are problematic because of who gets to enjoy them and who does not as well as their impact on street activity below.

Beneath the Skyway

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