Urban planners in New York City are reimagining the potential of urban spaces to foster human connections, inspired by insights from romantic films.
The concept of ‘romantic urbanism’ emerges from observations made by urban planners Daphne Lundi and Louise Yeung, who noted the role well-designed urban environments play in romantic films. These films, like ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘Notting Hill,’ often showcase how cities and towns can facilitate romance by bringing people together in walkable, vibrant areas.
During the pandemic lockdowns, Lundi and Yeung spent time analyzing films and noticed a pattern: urban settings like bookstores, parks, and unique neighborhood landmarks were central to the unfolding of romantic stories. This observation led them to question how real cities could incorporate these elements to enhance human interaction and connection.
Their exploration into romantic urbanism has grown from a simple theory into a broader movement that encourages urban planners and policymakers to consider human relationships in their designs. They argue that cities should create environments where individuals are incentivized to meet and linger in communal spaces, thereby fostering new relationships.
To introduce their ideas to the public, Lundi and Yeung organized an event in Brooklyn under the playful title ‘New York City Department of Tenderness.’ This public gathering featured various proposals for creating more connection-friendly urban spaces, such as the ‘V line’ train aimed at supporting long-distance relationships within the city.
Henry McKenzie, one participant, emphasized that commuting across boroughs can be seen as an expression of love and highlighted the need for more accessible communal spaces. Many agree that cleaner, safer public areas could encourage social interaction, echoing sentiments expressed by other event attendees like Trey Shaffer, who mentioned the charm of pedestrian-friendly bridges.
The reception to Lundi and Yeung’s initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with around 80 submissions from the public proposing unique designs and ideas aimed at enhancing urban intimacy. These include concepts like bodega-based ‘care infrastructure’ and essays on personal experiences that align with the planners’ vision.
Ultimately, Lundi and Yeung hope their project will not only inspire city planners to prioritize connections and relationships in urban design but also challenge the perception of urban residents as disconnected or indifferent. Instead, there is a growing recognition that urban spaces hold untapped potential for tenderness and community engagement.
The movement towards romantic urbanism suggests a promising shift in how cities can be designed to nurture human interaction, reflecting a deeper appreciation for the role of public spaces in our social lives.
Source: Businessinsider ˙ Youtube – Instagram
