Urban Revival Increases Need for Places for Mental Renewal

Kaid Benfield argues that amid our focus on placemaking, density, transit, and walkability we need to find room to talk about how to create sanctuaries, or peaceful places, 'where one can get away and be quiet and still'.

1 minute read

August 29, 2013, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

"Much of the emphasis in placemaking today is about creating liveliness, public spaces that attract people," writes Benfield. "I fully support that goal, especially in cities and in neighborhoods that have been disinvested and dormant for decades, as so many of our inner city communities have been. I am proud to be part of the grand team of people who cherish robust city markets, squares, and so on. We need more of them."

"But, for me at least – maybe it’s an introvert thing? – the places of quiet retreat are every bit as important, and especially so in large, busy cities and dense neighborhoods."

FULL STORY: A meditation on cities and the need for peaceful places

Wednesday, August 28, 2013 in NRDC Switchboard

Architecture Land Use Urban Development World mental health Peaceful Places Sanctuaries View More

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