How COVID-19 Could Change Us
As we worry about COVID-19, wear masks and keep our distance, the question is coming up as to whether in the long-term dense urban areas will suffer the most from the pandemic.
Will the trend toward walkable urban areas reverse in favor of suburban-style sprawl? They might, but I would bet against it. There will be a fear of being in confined spaces with big crowds and more of us will be isolating ourselves, but our need for social activity won't change. If we're working from home, having our groceries delivered and streaming movies, the opportunity to get out and about - to be with, but not so close to other people - will be more important than ever.
If you look at infections, sure New York got hit hard, but America's suburbs hardly provided a fortress. Anywhere people come into contact is an opportunity for the virus to spread. Isolation can also become a liability if a contagious virus eventually arrives.
Of course, we can only see the real impacts from the rearview mirror. It's a good bet that we'll have fewer of the things that require large gatherings in tight spaces like concerts, movies, shopping centers, restaurants, co-working spaces and mass transportation. We'll have more of the things we can do at home or by ourselves like remote working, streaming, cooking, delivery and driving or riding in vehicles that allow us to be isolated.
It's what happens in the middle that will make the difference in our urban form. I'm thinking the most attractive places to be will have many opportunities for outdoor recreation and distancing and for transportation that does not involve being in a tight space… bike trails, scooterways and walking paths come to mind.
Our suburbs will change, our cities will change, our workplaces will change and our homes will change. We will change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will the trend toward walkable urban areas reverse in favor of suburban-style sprawl? They might, but I would bet against it. There will be a fear of being in confined spaces with big crowds and more of us will be isolating ourselves, but our need for social activity won't change. If we're working from home, having our groceries delivered and streaming movies, the opportunity to get out and about - to be with, but not so close to other people - will be more important than ever.
If you look at infections, sure New York got hit hard, but America's suburbs hardly provided a fortress. Anywhere people come into contact is an opportunity for the virus to spread. Isolation can also become a liability if a contagious virus eventually arrives.
Of course, we can only see the real impacts from the rearview mirror. It's a good bet that we'll have fewer of the things that require large gatherings in tight spaces like concerts, movies, shopping centers, restaurants, co-working spaces and mass transportation. We'll have more of the things we can do at home or by ourselves like remote working, streaming, cooking, delivery and driving or riding in vehicles that allow us to be isolated.
It's what happens in the middle that will make the difference in our urban form. I'm thinking the most attractive places to be will have many opportunities for outdoor recreation and distancing and for transportation that does not involve being in a tight space… bike trails, scooterways and walking paths come to mind.
Our suburbs will change, our cities will change, our workplaces will change and our homes will change. We will change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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