Village People
Just because cities are busier and bigger than villages doesn’t mean we have to lose the personal relationships that make us nostalgic for a slower life. Building on work that began in 2010, the city of Helsinki is now recognised for the feeling of unity in its neighbourhoods and streets. It is easy to hang out with people of different ages and backgrounds.
People exchange favours, developing ways to communicate and match each others interests and skills; shopkeepers call the relatives if elderly regulars don’t show up for many days, neighbours take turns in babysitting, language lessons are given over dinners and bicycles are fixed in exchange for hand made woolen socks. Government resources are saved when individuals take more care of each other.
The city could campaign for ‘neighbourhood projects’ and encourage co-operation between, for example, shopkeepers and elderly people. Businesses that are elderly or child friendly could be awarded with annual prizes.
Village People
Just because cities are busier and bigger than villages doesn’t mean we have to lose the personal relationships that make us nostalgic for a slower life. Building on work that began in 2010, the city of Helsinki is now recognised for the feeling of unity in its neighbourhoods and streets. It is easy to hang out with people of different ages and backgrounds.
People exchange favours, developing ways to communicate and match each others interests and skills; shopkeepers call the relatives if elderly regulars don’t show up for many days, neighbours take turns in babysitting, language lessons are given over dinners and bicycles are fixed in exchange for hand made woolen socks. Government resources are saved when individuals take more care of each other.
The city could campaign for ‘neighbourhood projects’ and encourage co-operation between, for example, shopkeepers and elderly people. Businesses that are elderly or child friendly could be awarded with annual prizes.
