A city’s a great place to live — especially if you’re a car.

Irony aside, this is a fitting depiction of how our cities developed over the past century. With 60% of public space dedicated to car infrastructure, cities have become homes to the cars that drive through them — not the people who live in them.

To understand what a city that *feels like home for people* actually means, we spoke to an architect, urbanist and mum of four — Yoko Alender.

Our latest campaign highlights the idea that a city should feel like home. When you step outside, it shouldn’t feel like a concrete corridor of dead metal but a cosy living room. So, what do you think makes a city feel like home?

At home, we feel safe, comfortable, and at ease. We instinctively know how to be and what to do. The space supports us in being ourselves and going about our business.

Public spaces should be equally intuitive. They should tell us what to do and how to behave — where to ride, walk and sit — while always keeping us safe. And just like living rooms bring us together, public spaces should invite unity and interaction.

A shared meal in a shared space: Yoko enjoying a picnic with her family.

What are the key elements that make a city feel like home to people?

Danish urbanist Jan Gehl defined urban space quality criteria very well. It’s all about catering to our fundamental human needs:

1) Safety — from traffic, noise, and pollution in all forms;

2) Comfort — a variety of places to walk, sit, and play;

3) Pleasantness — views, greenery, and good architectural details.

“Streets should feel safe. I should be able to talk to my friend and hear her reply when we walk. The space should be user-friendly — not confusing or making me feel small and insignificant.”

The space should also have an identity — something that makes it your neighbourhood. Maybe there’s a pleasant view or a lovely familiar smell, like a bakery that’s always been there or a new children’s playground to discover.

Based on those criteria, it seems most cities don’t feel like home. Why is that?

Historically, cities used to be human scale. Much of public life, like sharing news and trading, happened in streets and squares. Roads were designed for walking, and signs were readable at 5km/h.

But then, cars came along, driving fast at 50, 60, 90+ km/h. This forced a very different street design because the human eye perceives things differently when driving (consider the size of motorway signs, for example). Also, a different level of noise and sense of insecurity followed.

When streets aren’t designed with the (walking) human being in mind the streetscape cannot feel like a living room.

Squeezing past parked cars aka a day in a life of a cyclist.

How can city councils make sure their residents feel at home in a city?

It’s about organising the basics of everyday life.

Do I get a place for my child in the kindergarten nearest to home, so I can walk her there and meet my neighbours on the way? Is there a local playground or a park?

Is there a local shop where I can get my daily milk and bread, or a local corner pub to have drinks? Is the local bus stop a nice place to wait for the bus and talk to others?

These everyday things define the quality of life and the feeling of home.

What impact do transport and mobility have on creating a sense of home in a city?

I believe in flexibility when it comes to mobility. One day I may need a car; the next, I might prefer the tram. Or I may want to be outdoors and use a bike.

In big cities, there’s always the choice between the metro and bus — you can choose between getting there quickly or enjoying the view. Visitors should be able to buy bus tickets easily by swiping their bank card or phone instead of searching for a dedicated vending machine.

Like in our homes, we also want our surroundings to look nice. Public transport can also look good and offer great views — just look at London’s double-deckers!

The design and character of public transit, streets, signs, and other details can contribute to a city’s identity and make it more recognisable — more like home.

A cargo a day makes a car go away.

There are increasingly more community-led initiatives that aim to make urban areas more people-friendly. What are some of your favourites?

The first initiative that comes to mind is the New York parklet initiative. But closer to home, I think the Uue-Maailma and Kalamaja local community festival days really helped bring people together and unlock their streets in a different way. A long table was put up in the street, and everyone joined with families and friends for a communal dinner.

Does your hometown feel like home?

Our cities should feel like home to people, not just cars. We believe that shared mobility can help reduce the number of cars on our streets and give space back to the people.

Read more about our ‘Feels like home’ campaign to see how a good city should feel.

What really makes a city feel like home — an urbanist answers our questions

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