The beach example is a classic but the end result is *not* good for the vendors either: each vendor has the same share of customers as before, but the average customer now must walk twice as far to get their ice cream, resulting in fewer sales because some won't bother. Also, the arrangement leaves ample opportunity for somebody to set up shop at the edges.
Very interesting indeed. About the conclusion, "We still have something to learn from them". But what exactly? That is to ask, what specific policy proposals does this history suggest could work today?
Might have been inspired by the living memory of the French & '48 revolutions and the rise of Marxist agitation. The Haussman plan for Paris certainly was calculated to remove the impassable & unparseable warrens the rabble lived in.
Wider streets are also harder to barricade and easier to patrol, even if back then not necessary for normal traffic.
Every urban planner (and every city dweller) should read this.
Thank you!
Incredible piece!
Equally interesting as it is revealing.
The beach example is a classic but the end result is *not* good for the vendors either: each vendor has the same share of customers as before, but the average customer now must walk twice as far to get their ice cream, resulting in fewer sales because some won't bother. Also, the arrangement leaves ample opportunity for somebody to set up shop at the edges.
Absolutely right! Everyone is either worse off or equally well off.
absolutely fascinating. so much work and research goes into a piece like this and it really shows.
Thank you! The research was, thankfully, a lot of fun.
Fantastic piece!
Thank you!
Quality post
Very interesting indeed. About the conclusion, "We still have something to learn from them". But what exactly? That is to ask, what specific policy proposals does this history suggest could work today?
> This generosity is somewhat astonishing
Might have been inspired by the living memory of the French & '48 revolutions and the rise of Marxist agitation. The Haussman plan for Paris certainly was calculated to remove the impassable & unparseable warrens the rabble lived in.
Wider streets are also harder to barricade and easier to patrol, even if back then not necessary for normal traffic.