Things are shutting down. The situation is fluid and each day the restrictions tighten. But I live in a community designed along New Urbanist principles. The community is designed to be walkable. Houses have front porches and are set close enough to the street and sidewalk that you can talk with neighbors who are out walking without shouting.
I just had a demonstration of this as I sat on my front porch and had a brief conversation with a neighbor - all while keeping more than enough social distance. It was nice, that little bit of friendly contact recharges your humanity.
We have parks too, with benches, where people can sit in the fresh air and have a moment of quiet.
With kids staying home from school, parents tele-commuting, it’s good to be able to get out and yet still have a little safe distance, face to face contact. It shows the wisdom behind New Urban design. It’s not just the space, it’s the ease of human interactions.
It makes self-isolating easier.
