Critical Position

Dependency on automobiles in the United States has become a crisis that has affected both residents of communities and their environment. Over the past 20 years a decrease in walking for transportation and recreational purposes has led to an increased risk of fatal health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. This inactive lifestyle has instilled in Americans a reliance on the automobile thus increasing traffic, congestion, and fatality rates (Alfonzo, 2005). Research has shown a correlation between the choice to walk and certain elements within the built environment (Alfonzo, 2005). Studies of early urban settlements and through the development of cities within cities, or districts, can lead to the understanding of place attachment of residents to their surroundings. A sense of place in urban areas has shown to support an individual's identity through their environment, which can lead to facilitating the decision to walk. It is through this correlation between the individual and their setting that a lifestyle shift away from the automobile toward a more sustainable future can be made. It is through these concepts that this thesis is formed. This thesis sets out to decrease the dependency of automobiles in an effort to help resolve environmental, social, and cultural issues within an area in need.

Alfonzo, Mariela A. (2005) To Walk or Not to Walk? The Hierarchy of Walking Needs. Environment and Behavior. 37(6), 808-836. Sage Piublications.