The Neighborhood Sociable.

PLANNING AND DESIGNING NEIGHBORHOODS TO CREATE SOCIAL CAPITAL.

Complete neighborhoods, the ones with homes, apartments, parks, schools and shops, give us a sense of belonging, a sense of continuity, a sense of ownership, a sense of responsibility for the “the greater good.” A complete, livable neighborhood has a comfortable and equitable balance of the physical, economic and social aspects of life.

The challenge for planners of the physical realm is to use our planning and design skills to enhance the sociability and civility of our cities. Anonymity, isolation and lethargy are the enemies. Places and spaces for civil and social discourse is the response. To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill, we define our places, and then they define us.