TED Talks Daily How COVID-19 reshaped US cities | Kevin J. Krizek
Aug 11, 2021
Kevin J. Krizek, an environmental designer, discusses how COVID-19 transformed urban spaces in the U.S., shifting from vehicle-heavy designs to pedestrian-friendly environments. He highlights examples from cities like Seattle and Austin, showcasing temporary street transformations into vibrant community areas for dining and recreation. Krizek emphasizes the potential for these adaptations to become permanent fixtures, advocating for sustainable urban planning that prioritizes livability and accessibility. His insights inspire a vision of more equitable and enjoyable city landscapes.
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Car-Centric City Design
- Cities prioritize car movement, dedicating a third of their land to automobiles.
- This dependence on cars has negative consequences like noise and pollution.
Seattle's Street Transformation
- Seattle closed 26 miles of streets to through traffic during the pandemic.
- This opened streets for pedestrians and bikers, focusing on underserved areas.
Pittsburgh's Bike Plus Plan
- Pittsburgh's Bike Plus plan accommodates lighter, cleaner vehicles like e-bikes.
- This reduces emissions while improving access to jobs and destinations.