Cities Quote by Moshe Safdie
“This is the contradictory desire in our utopia. We want to live in a small community with which we can identify and yet we want all the facilities of the city of millions of people. We want to have very intense urban experiences and yet we want the open space right next to us.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Urban Vision, 2015
People desire intimate community ties while craving the amenities and vibrancy of large cities, creating a paradox in urban planning.
In simple terms: We want small community feel with big city benefits.
Key Takeaway
Balance human scale with urban density.
Themes
urban design
community
city life
scale
paradox
Mood
hopeful
critical
Type
strategic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- city planning
- real estate development
- policy making
- neighborhood activism
Key Concepts
Human‑centered design
mixed‑use development
public space
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- Can dense neighborhoods foster strong community bonds?
- What trade‑offs are acceptable for urban vitality?
A Different Perspective
Achieving both intimacy and extensive services is costly and complex.
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