I also can’t stand that when they do achieve walkability, it’s often soulless concrete covered dystopia. No trees. No art. No vibrant spaces for the public to enjoy. Just ways to herd people into stores. What happened to having a more welcoming public space?
Walkable traditional neighborhoods are reliably the most expensive real estate in the country.
The real reasons are 1) architects more interested in getting applause from architects for cutting-edge design instead of utilizing tried-and-true principles for humane spaces, and 2) these things are planned, designed, and built by people who will never live or work in them.
Architects design for coffee table books and developers+planners design for spreadsheets.
Yet all of Europe has walkable neighborhoods with restaurants and cafes that have outdoor seating, surrounded by trees, lighting and other surroundings that please the eyes. And the same people who eat there, also shop in the other shops around there. It is profitable.
