Part 2/6:
This phenomenon isn’t new. Over the 20th century, cities across the globe experienced what can be described as the most significant privatization of communal spaces since the Middle Ages. Urban streets, which traditionally served as public commons for social interaction, commerce, and community life, have shifted to prioritizing cars above all else.
Today, in most cities, the typical street allocation is around 80% for cars and a mere 20% for pedestrians and cyclists. This imbalance not only discourages walking and biking but diminishes the livability and vibrancy of urban neighborhoods. The consequence is a monolithic, car-centric environment that arguably ignores the needs of its inhabitants for accessible, welcoming, and human-centered space.