A relationship that has not changed in society is human activity in housing, commerce and general development within the natural environment. These activities occurred along riversides throughout history every where in the world from Mesopotamia to Greece and all over Europe. Of course New York itself followed the same course of development on the Hudson and East River shores. Eventually roads, bridges and much later trains appeared. If you examine the MTA subway lines, they look almost like a fluvial map, as the concept is actually quite the same. Societies need to be connected to grow, expand, trade, learn and evolve. Check all the neighboring, art centers, restaurants, bars and all kinds of activities happening around each and every train station; it’s amazing.
Nevertheless, we are entering a new phase in our customs and culture, when this connection may not necessarily be dictated by trains or river sides, while other recreational and health oriented rendezvous like green areas, parks, sports infrastructures, organic markets and cultural activities are taking a new place in the interaction within the communities. It is inspiring to feel that the environmental opportunities may lead to a new kind of behavior among people, and development will not only be centered on the need to settle. So let’s keep gathering, creating, learning and of course enjoying the fruitfulness of at least an ideal world.
Ph: Federico Rozo