Barrier Quote by James Howard Kunstler
“Parallel parking is desirable for two reasons: parked cars create a physical barrier and psychological buffer that protects pedestrians on the sidewalk from moving vehicles; and a rich supply of parallel parking can eliminate the need for parking lots, which are extremely destructive of the civic fabric.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Geography of Nowhere, 1998
Parallel parking creates a physical and psychological buffer for pedestrians and reduces reliance on large, disruptive parking lots, preserving urban cohesion.
In simple terms: Parking design affects safety and city fabric.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize human‑scale parking solutions.
Themes
urban planning
pedestrian safety
environment
city design
Mood
practical
critical
Type
urban
environmental
When to use this quote
- neighborhood development
- traffic management
- city zoning
- public space design
Key Concepts
spatial dynamics
civic fabric
sustainability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can cities retrofit streets for more parallel parking?
- What alternatives exist where parallel parking isn’t feasible?
A Different Perspective
Implementation may be limited by existing infrastructure.
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