The International Parklet Symposium in San Francisco emphasized the theme "Dream before you think," focusing on the historical role of streets. Speakers highlighted how streets once served diverse community functions but became vehicle-dominated in the 20th century. Keynote speaker Blaine Merker discussed the inception of "Park(ing) Day" in 2005, which transformed parking spaces into lively community areas. This movement gained traction, especially during the pandemic, as cities sought to support small businesses by facilitating outdoor dining. Parklets reintroduce social interaction and reclaim urban spaces for public use.
"Throughout history streets were just where life unfolded. Transportation and movement were just part of it. Just one priority."
"The entrance of fast-moving machines into this environment was shocking to people. It didn't seem normal. It was outrageous in the Nineteen-teens."
"For the first 20 minutes, everyone just ignored it. But then someone sat there and ate a piece of pizza. And then people started investigating, meeting, talking, and just sitting there."
"There was crisis and terror and a real fear for the survival of our small businesses."
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