ABSTRACT

Seattle architect Mark Simpson cites numerous benefits to the urban community, including social interaction. Rather than being trashed, buildings of widely different eras are now being valued for entirely new economic uses. This attitude of recycling instead of removing is one that also reflects new thinking regarding sustainability. North American communities have had a long tradition of small-scale entrepreneurial commerce. Many people lament the loss of the mom-and-pop comer store that flourished during the era of large families and low car ownership. As the baby boom generation ages, many people will begin to realize that they will no longer be able to depend upon their own car for transportation. One way or another, many millions of people will need to have other means available to get around. Over the next several decades, other forms of transport could emerge.