Part 13/15:
Cultural norms influence how cities operate. For instance, Tokyo’s orderly celebrations contrast with the chaotic streets of Philadelphia, illustrating different societal attitudes toward public space and traffic. The panelists recognize that international examples from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East contain valuable lessons for reimaging American cities.
They acknowledge that many innovations originate in places like Copenhagen, leveraging historical infrastructure like cobblestones for quick, inexpensive modifications. This adaptability contrasts with the rigidity of American urban planning, which often makes simple improvements costly and slow.