The growth patterns have even affected public health. Zelinka cited figures that show a sharp climb in obesity among Americans over the past decade, a consequence of a population that has to drive everywhere. A sense of community fosters a safe environment, Brennan says, and that in turn enhances livability. You create that by identifying the ways that people interact with the physical environment. The book explains several human factors that enhance community.
Interaction means creating the public spaces often missing from commercial projects.
Orientation through landmarks and information kiosks make people feel more secure. Public gathering spaces help create a social context. Brennan says it can be as simple as people sitting together on an express bus on the way to work. The philosophy emphasizes legitimate activities within the public space and keeping those spaces well maintained. Zelinka repeated the oft-told anecdote of a neighborhood's demise beginning with one broken window.