Who do you think you are Richard Sennett?

Here is a fascinating lecture by the sociologist Richard Sennett about identity and the city. He explains the difference between boundaries and borders in cities. The former is inert (think security fences, gated communities) the latter is a liminal space, a threshold where people interact. He argues that most 20th century architecture (and urban design) has sought to create boundaries rather than borders. What urban planners need to do, he says, is to create the opposite: “rather than attempt to strengthen communities … what we want to do is strengthen the capacity to experience many different kinds of identities” to create “living edges” to cities rather than inert shells.

Who do you think you are Richard Sennett?