Dr. Arianna Salazar-Miranda’s research focuses on the evolution of public space usage in urban environments, particularly examining a decline in social interactions and lingering in public areas over the past 30 years. An interdisciplinary study analyzed videos from cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, revealing that pedestrians walk faster and spend less time socializing compared to the 1980s. Factors influencing these changes include technology use, rising incomes, and demographic shifts. Her work indicates that pedestrian-friendly, amenity-rich environments encourage walking and socialization but warns that concepts like 15-minute cities may inadvertently increase economic segregation by isolating low-income residents. Salazar-Miranda advocates for public spaces that encourage diverse interactions through thoughtful urban design and community partnerships to foster social capital and cohesion.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased Pedestrian Speed | Pedestrians are walking faster in urban spaces, a 15% increase since the 1980s. | Transition from leisurely strolls to quicker walking in urban settings due to various factors. | Cities may become less social and more transactional, influencing urban designs. | Socioeconomic pressures and increased use of technology push individuals towards efficient mobility. | 4 |
| Decline in Social Interactions | Frequency of group encounters in public spaces has decreased over the years. | Shifting from vibrant social interactions to more isolated urban experiences. | Urban spaces might evolve into less social environments, reducing community bonds. | Increasing individualism and reliance on technology diminishes public socialization opportunities. | 5 |
| Impact of Technology on Public Life | Technology, particularly smartphones, affects social interactions in public spaces. | From engaged socialization in public spaces to distracted and isolated individuals. | Potentially, public spaces could turn into areas less conducive to social interaction and engagement. | The integration of technology into daily life detracts from in-person interactions. | 4 |
| 15-Minute City Challenges | Concept may inadvertently increase economic segregation rather than integration. | Evolution from inclusive urban areas to potentially exclusive, segregated neighborhoods. | Cities may struggle with widening economic divides despite initiatives aimed at accessibility. | Planning intents may be overridden by socioeconomic realities and demographic shifts. | 5 |
| Preference for Amenity-Rich Streets | People are choosing longer paths if they are rich in amenities and aesthetics. | Shift from functional routes to more enjoyable walking experiences in urban environments. | Urban planning may increasingly prioritize aesthetics and amenities to attract pedestrians. | Desire for pleasurable and engaging walking experiences drives changes in urban design. | 4 |
| Decrease in Urban Social Cohesion | Reduction in social ties due to less public interaction. | From communal urban spaces to more fragmented and isolated city experiences. | Urban communities might become less cohesive and more segregated by socioeconomic factors. | Lack of interaction opportunities in evolving urban landscapes affects social ties. | 5 |
| Value of Urban Amenities | Higher-income areas show differing patterns of public engagement compared to lower-income areas. | Uneven access to beneficial urban experiences between varying income neighborhoods. | Cities can face challenges in equitable urban planning as amenities influence behaviors differently. | Inequalities in income and access profoundly shape urban experience and interactions. | 4 |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Social Isolation and Mental Health | Declining social interactions in public spaces may contribute to increased social isolation and mental health issues among urban populations. |
| Economic Segregation | 15-minute neighborhoods could unintentionally increase economic segregation, limiting socioeconomic interactions and opportunities for lower-income residents. |
| Impact of Technology on Human Interaction | Increasing smartphone usage may distract pedestrians from their surroundings, reducing opportunities for social encounters in public spaces. |
| Loss of Urban Agglomeration Benefits | As public spaces become mere thoroughfares, the potential for economic opportunities and collaboration among diverse groups may diminish. |
| Changing Demographics and Urban Design | Shifts in urban demographics and the design of public spaces may lead to uniform behavioral patterns that do not account for diverse needs and interactions. |
| Backlash Against Pedestrianization | Concerns from business owners about reduced vehicular access due to pedestrian-friendly designs may hinder the adoption of beneficial urban policies. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Reduced Lingering in Public Spaces | People are spending significantly less time lingering in urban public spaces like parks and sidewalks compared to previous decades. |
| Faster Walking Speed | Pedestrians are walking faster in urban areas, indicating a shift in how people experience public spaces. |
| Decreased Social Interactions in Public | The frequency of social interactions and group encounters in public spaces has declined, leading to increased social isolation. |
| Impact of Technology on Public Behavior | The use of smartphones is influencing how people interact in public spaces, often leading to reduced social engagement. |
| Preference for Amenity-Rich Routes | Pedestrians are more likely to choose longer routes with amenities and greenery over shorter, less appealing paths. |
| Negative Consequences of 15-Minute Cities | The design of 15-minute neighborhoods may unintentionally increase economic segregation, limiting socio-economic diversity in encounters. |
| Demand for Human-Scaled Urban Design | There is an increasing preference for urban environments designed at a human scale that foster social interactions. |
| Collaboration for Public Space Improvement | Communities are encouraged to partner with researchers to better understand and improve engagement in public spaces. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Computer Vision in Urban Studies | Using computer vision models to analyze public space behavior and pedestrian interactions. |
| 15-Minute City Concept | Urban design concept aimed at creating neighborhoods where all essential services are within a short walk or bike ride. |
| Slow Zones | Designated areas in cities where vehicular traffic is restricted to enhance pedestrian experience and foot traffic. |
| Smartphone Influence on Public Interaction | Examining the impact of smartphone use on social interactions in public spaces. |
| Desirability Measures for Streets | Using data analysis to evaluate and enhance the attractiveness of urban streets for pedestrians. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Changing Public Space Behaviors | A noticeable decline in the time spent lingering in public spaces, affecting social interactions and city vitality. |
| Economic Segregation in 15-Minute Neighborhoods | The potential for 15-minute city concepts to exacerbate economic segregation among low-income and high-income neighborhoods. |
| Impact of Technology on Social Interaction | The influence of smartphones and technology on decreasing public interactions and social ties in urban settings. |
| Urban Design and Social Cohesion | The need for urban planning that fosters social ties and diverse interactions rather than just convenience. |
| Public Space Design and Community Engagement | The importance of community partnerships in designing public spaces that encourage connections and socializing. |
| Accessibility to Amenities | Challenges in achieving equitable access to essential services within walking distance for diverse communities. |