Social Capital: Gated Communities vs. Woonerven
For a class called "Human Factors", we studied how people interact with the built environment. This paper looks at how gated communities tear the fabric of the built environment, whereas innovative street designs, such as a woonerf in Helsinki, help build social interaction and increase social capital. Little did I know that this paper would inform my experience as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner for 11 years; I often suggested to neighbors in conflict that they speak to each other and try to overcome their differences. It was my attempt to increase the social capital within our town.