Category: urban life

Why American Streets and Plazas Feel Empty and How to Bring Them Back to Life

“This shift in American daily life raises a deeper question: when did public life in the United States begin to disappear, and what would it take to bring it back?”

American cities were once defined by the energy of their streets and plazas across the country from big cities to small towns as places where people didn’t just pass through, but lingered, interacted, and built a sense of real community. Today, many of those same streets feel transactional at best and empty at worst. Instead of being corridors of activity, fun, and expression, streets have become corridors rather than the destinations. Public life has thinned out and become increasingly atomized in 2026 and this societal change here was done on purpose beginning in the 1950s and its effects still linger today in 2026. This shift in American daily life raises a deeper question: when did public life in the United States begin to disappear, and what would it take to bring it back?

The answer begins with the structural changes made to the design of our cities and towns in America during the 2nd half of the twentieth century. For the past few decades, American cities have been built around cars rather than people. The decline of street and plaza life in the United States is rooted in politicians catering to the automobile industry with car-first urban planning being prioritized above all else. With the expansion of the suburbs and the ‘American Dream’ having been tied to home ownership, rigid zoning policies meant that you could no longer walk out your door by foot and enjoy being in a lively community.

Wide roads, sprawling suburbs, and strict zoning laws have separated from where people live, work, and socialize with one another. In prioritizing having efficiency and convenience for the needs of the ‘nuclear family’, which is increasingly on the decline in today’s America, most cities and towns unintentionally eliminated the very conditions that made spontaneous human interaction possible and enjoyable. This seismic shift in public policy did not change just how American cities look and were laid out, it changed how each American related to each other, especially their neighbors.

This societal transformation has had a real human cost in this country. Public spaces are not just physical environments to move through but ideally, but they are also meant to be social ecosystems. Without their presence, opportunities for casual interaction shrink, and communities become more fragmented or isolated. As loneliness and social isolation rise across the country and has become a modern epidemic, the absence of vibrant ‘third places’, spaces outside of home and work has become increasingly noticeable. People are more connected digitally than ever yet often feel more disconnected in real life. Part of that solution is revitalizing what is common in other countries from Denmark to Colombia and from Spain to Turkey.

When I lived car-free across different countries and cities, my quality of life was inexorably more enjoyable and easier to get to know people. Making friends, running errands, and exploring is possible with a car but I found that exploring my new surroundings on foot and being able to get tea, coffee, or some food by foot in my local neighborhood made life in that new country or city much richer and more fun. Not needing a car was better for the environment and less expensive for my lifestyle and with having ride-sharing and good public transit options for where I was living in Istanbul, Medellin, or Mexico City, street and plaza life in each city across three continents was something I truly enjoyed taking full advantage of.

Other parts of the world often offer a clear contrast to how the U.S. has chosen to use its empty public spaces. In cities like Barcelona and Copenhagen, public space is treated as essential social infrastructure. Pedestrian-friendly streets, mixed-use neighborhoods, and a strong culture of outdoor living create environments where daily life naturally spills into the open regardless of what time of year it is, rain or shine. These cities are not necessarily more complex than U.S. cities, but they are simply designed with human behavior in mind including being able to walk, bike, or ride a scooter to where you need to go, which is much more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than needing to drive everywhere. There is real cultural emphasis on encouraging outdoor social life including showcasing musical performances, selling food and drinks in the open, and having benches, chairs, and tables for free gathering places at any time of the day or night.

You may be asking at this point: why has the United States struggled to follow suit in this way? The barriers are not just physical, but cultural and political. Car dependency is deeply ingrained in terms of cultural habits, and concerns around safety, public disorder, and accessibility often shape public opinion on encouraging street and plaza life to flourish without restrictions. At the same time, bureaucratic hurdles and zoning restrictions make it difficult to experiment with new ideas. The re-design and re-orientation of our physical landscapes would take decades or generations to construct including major financial costs and it would involve expanding transit and pedestrian friendly options, but I believe it would be worth it for future generations. Change is possible over time here, but it primarily requires a shift in cultural mindset and public policy.

Where progress has been made in the U.S. so far, the strategies are surprisingly straightforward. Expanding pedestrian zones and adding dedicated bike lanes in major cities, supporting street vendors and local businesses with easier permitting processes, and introducing outdoor dining and public events can quickly transform underused areas into vibrant gathering spaces. Small temporary interventions, often referred to as ‘tactical urbanism’, allow cities to test ideas before committing to permanent change. Importantly, good design alone is not enough. A well-designed plaza without any meaningful activity will remain empty; consistent programming and consistent use are what bring these unused spaces to life and keep people going there over time.

At a deeper level, successful public spaces tap into the psychology of place. People gather where they feel comfortable, stimulated, and welcomed. Elements like music, food, movement, and visual identity all contribute to whether a space feels alive or sterile. Safety matters, but so does the atmosphere where it’s welcoming, open, and engaging. A space can be technically safe yet feel uninviting if it lacks energy or purpose. Instead of holding events in asphalt parking lots or in lackluster fields without trees or any discernible nature will not stimulate the activity needed or generate the buzz needed so that the public spaces are going to need to thrive in the long run.

This is why revitalizing public space is about more than changes to urban planning; it is about rebuilding civic life in areas where it’s gone dormant or extinct entirely. Streets and plazas provide a shared environment where people from different backgrounds can coexist, interact, and develop a sense of mutual trust. In an increasingly polarized and digital society on top of being in a country where people don’t like to leave their vehicles or houses easily, these everyday interactions play a quiet but essential role in maintaining social cohesion and furthering progress for the town or city where locals and visitors are gathering.

In 2026, the urgency of this issue is only growing in terms of relevance. Hybrid and remote work arrangements have reshaped daily routines, leaving more flexibility for how and where people spend their time. At the same time, there is a growing desire, especially among younger generations, for experiences that feel authentic and communal, away from their phones and devices to reconnect with one another. American cities and towns that adapt to these shifts by prioritizing walkability, accessibility, and human-centered design will be better positioned for the future and achieve a higher quality of life for its residents and would help keep them living there for the long-term.

Revitalizing street and plaza life in the United States is not about copying other countries or eliminating cars entirely as part of our cultural memory. It is about restoring balance by creating welcoming spaces where people can once again gather, linger, and feel part of something larger than themselves and make new friends and acquaintances by doing so. When that happens consistently, streets stop being just pathways and start becoming places where life unfolds spontaneously.

Welcome to Copenhagen

My first visit to Copenhagen, Denmark in the Summer of 2024, which was a really cool experience to explore the city’s food halls, museums, castles, and modern architecture.

Camera: iPhone 15

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

The Megacity: A Cacophony of Humanity

“Only from above can you see how such massive populations can occupy relatively small portions of the Earth, while vast stretches of land remain sparsely populated.”

Flying into a megacity offers a unique perspective on its scale as I have done countless times over the years. From the window seat of an airplane, it’s impossible to fully grasp the size of cities like Istanbul, Mexico City, São Paulo, New York, or Los Angeles—cities that house tens of millions of people. Only from above can you see how such massive populations can occupy relatively small portions of the Earth, while vast stretches of land remain sparsely populated.

In these cities, one can sense how humanity has evolved over the centuries, transitioning from primarily agricultural societies to industrial powerhouses, and now, to the complexities of a post-industrial world. The growth of cities, especially megacities, reflects humanity’s ongoing desire to improve civilization, particularly in the realms of efficiency, innovation, and social equity.

In the 21st century, megacities are projected to grow at an unprecedented rate, particularly in Africa and Asia. New cities are expected to join the ranks of those already housing tens of millions of people, with some approaching populations of 100 million. This trend of urbanization is part of a broader pattern that dates to ancient civilizations. From Ancient Rome and Babylon to Athens, our cities have always concentrated power, knowledge, culture, commerce, and industry in urban centers. With a global population of 8 billion and rising, megacities are a relatively recent development, but they reflect historical trends toward greater urbanization. This process will likely continue throughout the 21st century.

More than ever, megacities are testing grounds for technological advancements and infrastructure developments that will shape the future. Whether it’s high-speed rail, autonomous vehicles, smart electricity grids, or renewable energy sources, these cities are ideal laboratories for innovation. Given their size and complexity, megacities allow for large-scale experiments in sustainability, from energy-efficient buildings to advanced waste management systems. These cities are also at the forefront of efforts to address current environmental challenges, integrating technologies that reduce their carbon emission footprint and improve water and energy use.

With millions of people living in near proximity, megacities serve as testing grounds for the social systems that underpin modern life: healthcare, education, and public safety. Cities with large populations can quickly reveal whether social safety nets are effective or in need of reform. These urban centers provide a direct feedback loop for policy ideas and social services, offering a unique opportunity to evaluate and improve the systems that impact the quality of life. The success or failure of these initiatives in megacities often sets the tone for broader national or even global policy shifts.

Megacities are also microcosms of global culture, where different languages, customs, and traditions coexist, creating a vibrant and diverse urban fabric. This cultural mixing is a hallmark of humanity’s increasing interconnectedness. Cities with millions of people can foster greater cooperation, creativity, and tolerance, but they also present various challenges. Integrating diverse cultures and languages in ways that promote social cohesion can be difficult, especially when disparities in wealth, power, and opportunity persist. However, megacities are often sites of cultural innovation and collaboration, where new ideas are born and tested on a global stage.

Cities are often the birthplace of new political ideas and social policies. When these policies succeed, they can be scaled up and implemented nationwide or even worldwide. Urban areas, being more densely populated and diverse, offer the ideal environment for experimenting with solutions to systemic issues, such as education reform, income inequality, or civic engagement. The ability to gather immediate feedback from a large and diverse population means that cities can rapidly assess the effectiveness of new public policies, making them key players in shaping the future of society.

The rapid urbanization of the world since the industrial age brings with it both opportunities and challenges. As cities continue to grow and scale, they will increasingly become the focal points for innovations and social experiments that shape the trajectory of human civilization. At their core, cities reflect humanity’s inherent desire to evolve, improve, and create something greater than us. The drive for progress embodied in the ambition, growth, and efficiency of urban areas mirrors our collective aspiration for a better future. However, this continued growth plans to bring more complexities. As megacities expand, they face the challenge of providing a good quality of life for millions of people while managing the unintended consequences of scale, such as overcrowding, pollution, and social inequality.

The success or failure of megacities in the 21st century has global implications. As urban centers grapple with present challenges like climate change, wealth inequality, and the effects of economic globalization, the solutions they implement or fail to implement will have ripple effects across the globe. From Tokyo to Cairo, from Bogotá to Kinshasa, these cities are testing grounds for humanity’s ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world. The development of megacities is not just a local issue or an urban issue; it is a global concern that reflects our collective ability to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The paradox of progress is that while we strive to improve our cities and societies, we must recognize the complexities of providing a high quality of life for growing populations. The ambition to create more efficient, sustainable, and equitable urban environments must be balanced with the practical realities of physical infrastructure, resource management, and social integration. If megacities are successful in making responsible choices now, they will be better equipped to meet these challenges in the future. The decisions made today will shape the cities of tomorrow and, by extension, the world at large.

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, the fate of megacities and urban areas will be intertwined with the well-being of all people. What happens in these cities, whether positive or negative, will affect everyone, whether they live in rural, suburban, or exurban areas. The interconnectedness of our societies means that the success or failure of urban areas will have far-reaching consequences. We must ensure that the policies and solutions developed in megacities are inclusive and benefit all members of society. The prosperity of our cities is not just the concern of city dwellers, but it is a global concern too. This becomes particularly evident to me when I fly over a city or megacity, witnessing its sprawling lights and endless streets, and realizing that the future of our civilization is unfolding in these urban spaces.

Watching The World Go By In Paris

“Many cities are great for people watching or just seeing daily life transpire in front of your eyes, but Paris is different from the others because you are allowed to slow down fully to take it all in.”

Few cities embrace the pleasure of watching the world go by more than Paris. No wonder why writers from all corners of the globe have come to the ‘City of Lights’ to be inspired to reach their creative goals. If you’re a keen observer as any good writer should be, you’ll see all walks of life come through Paris each day. Whether it’s a starry-eyed tourist with a camera in their hand, a bookkeeper plying his trade by the Seine River, or a street music performer trying to earn a Euro or two. Many cities are great for people watching or just seeing daily life transpire in front of your eyes, but Paris is different from the others because you are allowed to slow down fully to take it all in.

In Paris, the pace of life is fast like any city but the city’s awe-inspiring beauty, its prominent café culture, its pleasant on their ears language of French encourages you to slow down, have a coffee or a pastry, sit down with a book or a pad of paper, and really take it all in. One of my favorite aspects of the city is that compared to most major cities or even other cities I’ve been to in France is that you are encouraged not to rush the experience whether when you’re dining, drinking, or smoking (for those who partake).

No one cares how long you sit at a café or a brasserie (some places are even open 24/7), if you pay for something on the menu and be kind to your server. Some tables may have you face each other if you’re with a companion but often, your chair(s) and table will be facing out on to the lively Parisian streets or plaza whether you are alone or with someone else.

Paris does not bemoan the lone traveler or the lone wanderer who comes to visit it. It is perfectly normal to be by yourself with your thoughts, your sketch pad, and your cup of coffee spending as much time as you need with whatever you happen to be working on. I’d imagine that even if you visit in the Fall or Winter, you’ll still see people out in the streets or in the plazas, talking, laughing, eating, drinking, and making the most out of their lives in the big city. When you are in Paris, you can watch the world go by and even if you’re in a rush personally that day with work or studies, the city will encourage you to slow down, stop somewhere, and take in its ever-enchanting beauty and detail.

Writers, painters, musicians, and other kinds of artists have had a field day with creating great works from having lived in Paris because there is so much to be inspired by. The city of Paris and French culture, in general, have a high emphasis placed on beauty, aesthetics, and the art of good presentation. Any type of artist will be able to come to Paris to draw or paint about the daily scenes of life they see there, have time to think deeply about their approach to their work, and foster ideas without being interrupted endlessly.

Even with the humming noise of traffic and pedestrians, it is not a overly loud city when compared to other major cities I’ve been to in the world. You can find those moments of quiet and peace amid the waves of people and vehicles who pass you by. Sitting and facing out towards the world and not with your back to it allows you to assess better how you fit into this magnificent city and where you fit into its ever-changing melody and rhythm.

I believe you could spend years in Paris and not have tried every restaurant, café, brasserie, or bar. There are seemingly endless places to sit, drink, relax, think, write, and reflect, which is why the city is and will always be such a haven for brilliant artists of all kinds throughout the millennia. Paris encourages you to soak it all in and to pay attention to what you’re surrounded by.

Throughout Paris’s history, the city has sought to inspire humanity to move forward through making new inventions, creating new works of art, writing new literature, and building more beautiful and awe-inspiring architecture. When you think about a self-fulfilling prophecy for a city to have, Paris was built on reaching higher and higher in terms of our human aspirations to create beauty in this life and to find the beauty in each other.

We may fall short from time to time, but Paris is a city built on pursuing excellence in all facets through the pursuit of one’s dreams. For those people who are creative in any sense of the word, who want to share their creativity and gifts with the world, Paris is a great home to begin doing so. When you come to the ‘Ville de Lumiere’, not only can you watch the world go by without a care in the world and be able to take in all its beauty and charm, but you will also be inspired by the city that was built on fulfilling the hopes and dreams of its many inhabitants.

Paris would not be the city it is today without the creative and forward-thinking men and women who built it to be what it is today and will remain for the future, a beautiful and inspiring beacon of human ingenuity and vision that inspires both visitors and Parisians alike.