Comments on: Lessons from Bogotá, Part III (9:58)

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 04:26:43 +0000

Pedestrian only streets are awesome! Having experienced them in Istanbul, Beijing, San Jose Costa Rica and other major cities I would love to see one in New York.

By: Gargamel Tralfaz

Gargamel Tralfaz — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:04:29 +0000

I thought I understood Cap’n Transit’s mockery, but wasn’t 100% clear so thanks for clearing that up both of you…

And now let’s hope the video inspires change.

By: Cap'n Transit

Cap'n Transit — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:00:35 +0000

Momos, I didn't mean to call Ethan a "rich white boy"; I was just quoting the insulting and divisive comments made by Bill Nelson on the Havana post. In regard to social integration, I thought the Simon Richards article linked from Planetizen recently had some interesting background.

By: momos

momos — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:48:34 +0000

Cap’n Transit – Your point isn’t clear. Are you saying the Bogotá film better communicates the potential of reformed urban infrastructure than the Havana film because it shows how people of all economic classes use it?

If that’s your point, I’d agree, but I don’t see what calling Ethan Kent a “rich white boy” has to do with it. (Makes you sound like a guilty upper-middle class white liberal, not that there’s anything wrong with being one.)

As I said in the earlier post, the most exciting way to understand public space is with the agenda of social integration.

Incidentally, the Jane Jacobs exhibit at the Municipal Arts Society emphasized Jacobs’ assertion that to be alive and well-used, public space requires inclusive economic models that enable the participation of all city residents.

By: Larry Littlefield

Larry Littlefield — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:51:14 +0000

Seeing all this innovation in countries that used to be scoffed at as hidebound in the past (Europe) or poor and backward (Latin America), I’m reminded of the title of a book about New York: “The Future Once Happened Here.” Meanwhile, those who benefit from keepign things as they are are meeting around the corner.

By: Braddy

Braddy — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:35:30 +0000

It’s a 5 Borough Bike Tour every Sunday in Bogota!

By: Cap'n Transit

Cap'n Transit — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:04:24 +0000

Maybe some of these poor Colombians can make a case for this kind of infrastructure in Havana, since it's apparently impossible for "rich white boys" like Ethan Kent (and probably Gil Peñalosa) to explain the value of it.

By: momos

momos — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:24:57 +0000

Clarence – awesome streetfilm as always. It makes such a difference to actually see these ideas. I’m particularly fascinated by the emphasis you discovered in Bogota on social integration. NYC, as an ethnically diverse city and one of the most economically polarized cities in North America, should really consider this dimension in its planning for public space.