Space

I really enjoyed this presentation because I took a sustainability class in London last semester and we talked a lot about space and the layout of cities. We talked a lot about the difference between European cities, which are built up, and American cities, which are built out. Suburbs are appealing to people, especially families, because it is away from the noisy city life, there is more room for a backyard, the schools are generally better, and it is safer for their children. On the downside, people have to travel further and use more resources to get to where they need to go, and public transportation is less adequate and makes it harder for people without their own car to get around. In many European cities however, not many people own cars because it is not necessary because of the closer proximity and ease of public transportation. I was really surprised by the New Deal they talked about because I had never heard of it before. I think it is a really great idea and will help people get across the country in a much more efficient manner.

I really enjoyed learning more about green spaces as well. That was something else we discussed in our sustainability class, so I knew what they were, but I never knew all of the benefits they provided. Green spaces such as public parks, and community gardens help absorb some of the carbon in the air, are a habitat for wildlife, reduce noise pollution and runoff, and help to counteract the blacktop effect, and cool cities. I was also surprised to learn that there were health benefits of green spaces as well.