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Living in United States Discovery Documentary 2015 HD

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The stereotypical trappings of urban living (i.e. crowds, tall, shiny buildings) do not a city make. In order to figure out what does, design firm Sasaki recently published the results of a 1,000-person, six-city survey that asked residents what they loved and hated about their surroundings. Some answers from those living in Boston, Chicago, New York, Austin, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., could have been anticipated, but other responses were more surprising.

Take, for instance, people's affection for historic buildings. According to Sasaki's survey, 57% of city-dwellers stop to look at old buildings when walking down the street (more than the 15% who stare at skyscrapers), and more than half agreed that renovating old buildings so that they retain their architectural character should be a priority. Only 17% said they felt their city was "too quaint" and wanted more shiny "iconic" buildings.

The attachment to old buildings makes sense for a number of reasons. Before the faceless International Style swept in from across the Atlantic, architects used to take pleasure in elaborate details. (Just look at any Louis Sullivan joint.) But old buildings are comforting in another way: By reminding us of the past, they help us understand the plot of our times. After all, historic buildings carry narrative, too-something that contemporary buildings often eschew.

When urbanites bemoan the Starbucks opening up on their block, it's usually not because they hate Starbucks, but because the Starbucks is replacing something else-maybe a mom-and-pop shop, or that deli with the best egg and cheese around. An important note from the Sasaki survey: 46% of residents said they'd leave their neighborhoods to try a new restaurant. What can this tell us? Optimizing a city so that every chain and franchised amenity is within a couple blocks of your home doesn't necessarily make it a great place to be. Perhaps we do need to feel like we can go on an adventure in our own 10 square miles, and when we do, it shouldn't look like every other part of the city.

No surprise here. People love parks. Nearly half of those surveyed said the waterfront was their favorite place to be, which contains a note of sadness, too. Will cities be able to adapt their waterfronts to rising sea levels? Or will we all eventually be forced to retreat? There are still a lot of creative suggestions to the first question before we resort to answering the second.

Just because a city's dense doesn't mean it directs its traffic well. More than 40% of those surveyed highlighted traffic as their most frustrating issue, followed by lack of parking. Cities across the states are still working to develop functional bike share programs and more efficient public transit, but shifting away from a reliance on cars still has a long way to go.

There is one thing that the Sasaki survey didn't mention that's probably integral to all of the above: Affordable housing. If outrageous rents exile artists and people who serve the basic functions of the city, neighborhoods can begin to look like homogenous strip malls for tourists and the wealthy. After all, that's part of what happened to the suburbs, minus tourists.

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4 Reasons Why People Love Living In Cities And How We're Working On Ruining Them

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The stereotypical trappings of urban living (i.e. crowds, tall, shiny buildings) do not a city make. In order to figure out what does, design firm Sasaki recently published the results of a 1,000-person, six-city survey that asked residents what they loved and hated about their surroundings.

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Jason Sturgeon - Simple Life - Official Music Video

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The official music video for Jason Sturgeon's Simple Life

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There's no denying that living in the countryside has some definite physical and mental health benefits, but let's not also forget that being closer to nature can play a big part in moulding us into the people we are today.

A sense of appreciation and a slower pace of life included, this is why living in the countryside is good for your soul...

1. You can't help but be more mindful

Noticing the weather, listening to birdsong and catching a whiff of freshly cut grass, the sounds and smells of nature are enhanced in the countryside and they force you to take notice and live in the moment.

2. Your sense of appreciation for our planet

The proud and powerful planet on which we live can throw its weight around with the seasons, and seeing flash floods stream down country lanes, blankets of snow cover untouched fields, storms blaze across a building-free horizon and, of course, the sun shine over the mountains, certainly builds your respect and appreciation for its presence.

Although people who live in the countryside can still lead busy and hectic lives, the peace of their surroundings help to bring them to a gentle halt and remind them not to rush life away.

4. The possibility of adventure

Without having a plethora of transport and social activities on your doorstep, both children and adults can be left with just their imagination and senses to take them on an adventure. A walk, a bike ride or building a den in the forest will all give you a different perspective.

5. Making friends for life

A strong sense of community and often living just a short walk away from friends or relatives means that your relationships are frequently nourished and can grow strong enough to last a lifetime.

6. A healthier way of living...

Fresh air and local, organic produce can go a long way in keeping your body on top form. This, in turn, does wonders for your wellbeing.

We can't underestimate the happiness we get from the small things in life. From walking the dog to nurturing the most beautiful bloom of roses, country minds must surely be among the happiest.

Do you know the physical benefits just one hour in the garden can have on your body? (Refresh your memory here.) A daily walk works wonders too - it's definitely easy to let the countryside keep you in your prime.

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​8 reasons why living in the countryside is good for your soul

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There's no denying that living in the countryside has some definite physical and mental health benefits, but let's not also forget that being closer to nature can play a big part in moulding us into the people we are today.