Interactive features , creative street reconfigurations , and sustainable elements give downtowns and other common spaces new lease on life
By Jennifer Schmidt
It ’ s human nature to crave connections with others and be part of a larger community . Any number of scientific journals will tell you : When it comes down to it , we ’ re wired to connect .
It ’ s with this principle in mind that communities across the country are seeking out ways to enhance their urban environments and help foster connections for residents and visitors . Often times , this is done by complementing basic functions – like housing , shopping , dining , walkability , programming , and transportation – and creating a public infrastructure that balances these elements and strategically ties them all together .
12 | TRENDS Ingenuity , Integrity , and Intelligence .