Comment by rglover | Hacker News Reader

Comment by rglover | Hacker News Reader

I grew up in suburban Ohio and have lived in Chicago for the past two years. Before I moved, there was a longing to join the energy of the city. Ohio, by and large, is pretty slow moving. It wasn't until I got to Chicago that I realized the effect that change of pace had.

In order to both live and function in the city, I had to rewire my brain. I recall the first few months in the city being absolutely terrifying. Not because of any one thing in particular, but your sense of self starts to evaporate. You start to see the boundaries between you and the universe. You feel small.

Occasionally, my girlfriend and I travel back to her home town. An honest to goodness town, too. It's classified as a "village." When I'm there, I often take walks around the entirety of the town. The change of pace is incredible. Even compared to where I grew up, there's a sense of serenity, not just in the immediate experience, but in the people.

The behavior you see there is a total 180 from what you experience in the city – a cold, dismissive brood that makes you feel entirely too insignificant.

When I moved to Chicago I made it a point to visit FLW's home and studio in Oak Park (about 20-30 minutes outside of the city). Though the area he built in has changed dramatically (based on the descriptions told as a part of the tour), there was something really serene about it all. His home was directly adjacent to his studio. Seeing this, the whole time I thought "yeah, I could dig this."

This article makes his vision sound akin to the modern day suburb, which, while there are similarities, doesn't feel like an accurate interpretation. If you get the chance to experience some of his more rural-based work, I would check it out. There's a certain flow to the buildings he designed that elicits a feeling of peace. I can imagine his plans outlined in this article were to accomplish that on a much bigger scale.

I think you're a harsh judge of cities if Chicago is your only example. I had similar thoughts about Chicago on a brief visit; that it's big, cold both physically and emotionally, windy... generally, somewhat hostile to the senses. I'm sure there are a lot of great activities going on that I don't know about, but that was my surface impression.

I live in Buffalo, New York which to me is a "just right" sized city. I can walk around the urban core as one might walk around a village. It's busy enough to feel lively on a business day, and relatively quiet in the evening.

Having grown up in the suburbs, I only now realize how isolating boulevards and strip malls can be. I like walking and biking. I see my neighbors more. I get more exercise. I create less pollution. I feel more connected and more alive.

I'm not shy to the charm and serenity of country living. The stars alone can entertain me for hours at night. It can be so enriching to have some space, some quiet, some separation, some peace. Some time to think and to work.

Wright's family-per-acre spread seems neither urban, nor rural; technically, 'sub urban' - but not our current suburbia. Still, it seems to lose sight of the value of density. The highways he proposes would mean cars, noise, pollution, and isolation.

Buffalo has a trove of FLW treasures: his boathouse, gas station, mausoleum, Martin house, Graycliff. There is definitely something to them, a sense of space and elegance.

Having warmed to Buffalo's urbanism, the appeal of FLW's 'city' vision is lost on me. But his freestanding works are unique and worth experiencing.

Chicago is the only major city I've lived in. I didn't mean to articulate my feelings toward all cities. There are parts of New York City that feel incredibly homey (strange as that may sound). There's definitely a size of city that's just right, like you've described here. I also used to live in Ann Arbor, MI. Considered a city, but also has a nice hometown feel to it.

I agree on the isolation of boulevards and strip malls. I prefer areas where there's a microcity/downtown area, but a lot of grassy residential space close by. The modern mega suburbs (with Best Buy's, Wal-Marts, and every fast food imaginable) are terrible.

I think your experience describes your feelings in the city. As someone who grew up half in a city and half in the country, I feel more at home and more significant in an urban environment.

Definitely. Didn't want my sentiments to apply to all cities. See my reply above. A lot of places that embody the spirit of a city, without the "shut out" feeling.

Certainly depends on the person. Which, whether FLW's desire or not, is why forcing an option on everyone and assuming it's the best for each person is a pretty weak way of doing things.

That's actually my favorite part of humanity: there are a lot of different ways of life/attitudes. Just a matter of finding the one you sync up with best.

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