Humans: Social Builders
Humans evolved over millions of years to be the most social species ever. We’re also the species with the largest capacity to build. We must contend with these powers for our species to survive and thrive.
About 200,000 years ago, Homo Sapiens separated from our Great Ape ancestors as a distinct species. We lived in communities of 60-100 until about 10,000 years ago when we established agriculture, we stopped roaming around, and we settled long-term into specific places. We built villages, towns, and cities. We built megalopolises like Atlanta, Georgia, with a metropolitan area that covers over 8,300 square miles. That’s nearly 17 times larger than Rome, Italy, a city that’s existed for 28 centuries. Atlanta is an obese toddler that hasn’t yet reached its 2nd-century birthday. Human craft, imagination, and grandeur range from the Neuschwanstein Castle to the Rock & Roll McDonald.
We live alongside millions of others, having evolved from living in small groups. We also have an unlimited capacity to shape the physical world.
How do we build places that harness our power to serve a species that evolved to live in small groups? What should guide us as we build our places?
Human social nature must be central to all design decisions. We must build places that serve the local human community, history, and ecology. This is how most places were designed and built until about 80 years ago. Since then, much of what we’ve built is ugly, disposable, and inhumane. Exhibit A: the double drive-thru Chick-fil-A.
SOURCE: Reddit
People may love the crispy chicken bites, the array of dipping sauces, and the convenience, but nobody has ever stood here and said, "I love this place." This place does not foster community; it does not support a social ecosystem.
Still, I’m hopeful our species understands that our thriving and future depends on how and what we build. I see sufficient proof of our potential. Exhibit B: New York City’s High Line.
SOURCE: Shutterstock
This place serves people, responds artfully to the surrounding context, inspires regenerative commerce, and nurtures a native ecology. This is a place people love; it brings out the best in our social natures.
Look around. How do the places you see either serve or undermine humanity's social nature?