The Little Bollard That Could... Do a Lot
The bollard is a simple tool that can make any city more walkable and pleasant.
The corners of intersections are places where people gather; they are gateways; and, they can give identity to the history and people that made that community special. They are the most basic form of public space, linking not only neighborhoods but also marking where people's paths naturally cross. When these spaces are built to welcome people instead of vehicles — you have the makings of a strong, interconnected community.
The bollard is a simple tool that can make any city more walkable and pleasant.
Sidewalks are the foundation to making the social life of communities thrive. The best sidewalks share certain traits that make them welcoming, accessible, and socially active places.
You can tell a great city by its corners. If the intersection is owned by the vehicles, it is a city for cars and traffic. If the community controls the intersections/corners, it is a city of neighborhoods.
Areas around Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut exploded with social life this past summer and fall — coming alive in spite of COVID-19 — we couldn't help but notice and be reminded of our work there, years ago.
Cities were “an invention to maximise exchange and minimise travel”...I am fascinated about, "How the design of the public realm impacts the quality of social, cultural and civic life."