A few weeks ago, I wrote about Building Community from the Ground Up - Urban Planning for a Connected Society, where I explored how urban planning can lay the groundwork for connected, vibrant communities. That article took a broader look at how our cities are structured for interaction and inclusion.  

Today, I want to zoom in on a specific and pressing issue: our streets.  

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Streets as Connectors, Not Dividers  

When streets are designed for cars, communities lose out. Busy roads slice through neighborhoods, discouraging walking and cycling while promoting environments where human connection is an afterthought. 

Streets should invite interaction, encourage strolling, and feel safe for everyone - from children to the elderly.  

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Cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and now Paris demonstrate what happens when we prioritize people over vehicles. 

Under Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s leadership, Paris has undergone a profound transformation. Initiatives like the conversion of Rue du Docteur Paquelin into a lush pedestrian street are part of a larger movement to reclaim urban spaces for people. 

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The city has:  

• Created 300 car-free school streets 
• Planted 170,000 trees  
• Transformed 40% of asphalt into green areas  

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These changes, alongside the broader vision of the 15-Minute City, are transforming Paris into a place where all residents can access essential services within walking or biking distance IN 15 minutes! 

It’s not just about convenience - it’s about creating stronger neighborhood connections and reducing car dependence.  

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What Happens When We Prioritize People?  

Reducing car dominance brings streets to life. 

Imagine sidewalks buzzing with cafes, markets thriving with activity, and children safely playing in their neighborhoods. This is what happens when streets are designed for people, not machines.  

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Take Barcelona’s Superblocks as an example. By restricting car traffic within clusters of nine city blocks, the city has turned traffic-heavy areas into vibrant pedestrian zones. Residents have reclaimed these spaces for play, socializing, and local businesses, all while enjoying significantly reduced noise and pollution.  

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In Amsterdam, where I live, biking is a way of life. Carrying my child every day in a cargo bike, friends chatting while cycling side by side - it’s a city alive with human interaction. 

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Compare this to car-heavy cities where connection is often lost in the rush.  

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Why Are We Still Designing Cities for Cars?  

Despite countless success stories, many cities remain tied to outdated car-centric models. Parking lots, sprawling roads, and intersections dominate landscapes, taking up space that could be used for parks, housing, or plazas.  

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We need to ask: Why are we still designing for machines when cities are meant for people? Cars should be guests in our urban spaces, not the hosts.  

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The Paris Example  

The transformation of Rue du Docteur Paquelin shows what’s possible. This street has become a viral example. 

Where there were once cars, now there is life - trees, greenery, and people reclaiming the streets. This shift is not just aesthetic; it’s a statement about priorities. Paris, with its dramatic greening efforts, is leading by example, inspiring other cities to follow suit.  

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Let's Wrap this Up

Streets are more than pathways - they’re opportunities to connect, build, and thrive. The example of Paris reminds us of what’s possible when we put people first.  

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Let’s make this vision a reality in more places. Whether it’s transforming parking streets into green pedestrian areas or creating superblocks, the path forward is clear. It’s time to reclaim our streets, not just for mobility but for life, community, and connection.  

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Why I Write About This  

My name is Stina Stjarnstrom, and for over 20 years, I’ve worked as an architect and civil engineer on some of Scandinavia’s largest urban projects. My studies in neuroscience at the University of Chicago have deepened my understanding of how the built environment impacts people.  

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Living in Amsterdam has shown me firsthand the joy of streets designed for people. Biking with my child through car-free spaces reinforces my belief that urban design can shape healthier, happier communities.  

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Cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Barcelona inspire me - and drive my commitment to advocate for change. Streets are the soul of our cities; let’s design them to reflect who we truly are and what we value. 

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