ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the importance of focusing on the unremarkable, arguing for a different approach to urban redevelopment with a greater focus on those elements (trash bins, benches and chairs, stairways, walls, and fences) and spaces (underpasses, streets and sidewalks, bikeways and multi-use trails, parking lots, and shopping centres). Using the theoretical lens of Broken Window Theory, we suggest that unremarkable elements and spaces that are poorly designed or have been vandalised, broken, or fallen into a state of disrepair send clear messages to people that their environment doesn't matter. We propose using the concept of cues to care and nudge theory can provide a new lens to create more inspiring and enjoyable places that effectively meet the needs of people and the planet.
Our focus is to help designers, policymakers, and citizens think differently and more innovatively about the future use and design of these often unremarkable human-made elements and features of our built environment so that their design nudges health, sustainability, and play.
