How Space in Cities Will Change

In dense cities, physical space has always been a top concern. Space dominates pricing; from the size of apartments to the amount of personal space in transportation type. But the coronavirus has introduced a new paradigm through which to consider physical space. Now, for the sake of everyone's health, ample space is a right. 

As cities re-open, both businesses and city officials will be testing new ways to use space. Old modalities may become new again - such as drive in movies and sidewalk dining. But innovation will be needed as well, especially in systems that are crowded by design like public transportation and dense living scenarios like group houses. 

In a recent blog post, the Project for Public Spaces delves into this question, with examples of streets being retrofitted for dining, exercise, and pedestrian and bike use. They argue, that, "to avoid a resurgence in infection and to recover equitably, cities must think more expansively about how all kinds of outdoor, everyday spaces can fulfill people’s daily needs, and work directly with the communities most affected by the virus and its economic fallout." 

Sarah C. Bronin, the chair of the City of Hartford, Connecticut' s Planning and Zoning Commission, a law professor, and an architect writes in The Hill that cities may not be able to quickly adapt to these new spatial needs. She explains,

"To meet new COVID-19 safety protocols for reopening, many commercial places are going to have to turn themselves inside-out. Store items may migrate to sidewalk displays. Restaurants without outdoor seating may have to create some. Bars may have to turn parking lots into beer gardens. In other words, our cities need to become more Parisian. But because of short-sighted zoning laws, Parisian is illegal in most American cities." 

In addition to regulatory barriers to outdoor dining, and outdated prejudices against sidewalk vending, cities will need to contend with their parking regulations. With fewer parking spots needed, lots could become creatively used spaces. But minimum parking requirements are among the most contested of laws surrounding physical space in cities - and, Bronin argues - one of the barriers to more pedestrian access.  Changes to zoning codes now will mean more vibrant city spaces and more chances for small businesses to thrive. 

While public space is being reconsidered to be more accessible, public transportation systems must reckon with the implications of serving less people. Some trend forecasters expect this to cause a jumpstart in the realm of self-driving cars and personalized transportation systems. Yet, these modes cannot serve the large customer base that major transportation systems already do. Janette Sadik-Khan, former commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation writes for Foreign Policy, "The pandemic reveals just how much cities depend on essential workers—and how much essential workers depend on public trains and buses to reach jobs at hospitals, grocery stores, and other links in the supply chain."

Public transportation systems represent millions of dollars in public infrastructure, and serve millions of people. In order for the recovery of major metropolitan economies to include all citizens, it will be necessary to make changes to keep these spaces clean and accessible.