Part 7/15:
A recurring theme is how urban design reflects societal priorities—the so-called "stroad," a hybrid of "street" and "road," primarily designed for cars yet hostile to pedestrians. Many U.S. cities combine these functions badly, resulting in inefficient use of space and diminished social cohesion. The panelists argue that cities should specialize, creating streets that are optimized either for commerce and community (pedestrian-friendly streets) or for fast vehicle transit (highways).