Death by Cul-de-Sac: Short Film Explores New Urbanism
By Courtney Lowery, 5-18-09
The Congress for the New Urbanism is featuring the winner of its 2009 video contest, a short film that looks at what effect how we build has on the environment.
The film, Built to Last was created by First + Main Media from Julian, CA and Paget Films from Buffalo, NY.
The Congress for the New Urbanism—which is holding its annual gathering in Denver this year June 10-14—says of the video: “The outstanding 3-minute video asks the question “What’s the greatest threat to our planet?” and shows how reimagining our cities and suburbs to be sustainable and walkable will cut carbon emissions, commutes and calories.”
Comments
I'm not sure what the video is advocating: Rebuilding existing cities or building new ones?
The old fashioned neighborhoods worked for many reasons other than mere proximity to goods and services. It was a different way of life. Mothers stayed at home and managed the family affairs. People were far more self-reliant; they didn't expect the government to bail them out when things got tough. Neighborhoods weren't planned per se; they happened.
If people want to live in communities, as depicted in that video, fine. Just don't get government involved. Personally, I want nothing to do with such places.
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