The Car as Presence and Perception: Automobility and Welfare Landscapes

Abstract

There is no actor that influenced welfare landscape as much as the automobile. The car affected not only the urban form but also its perception. At the level of the urban form, new figures emerged such as the parking lot and the parking garage. Concerning the experience of welfare landscapes, the car introduced a new rhythm, speed and regime of perception. This paper looks explicitly at how the car, as a physical and perceptual presence, has influenced the design of welfare landscapes. Looking at examples of the UK, France and Italy the paper will explore how architects and urban designers started taking the car into full consideration when designing new neighbourhoods and cities. The paper will end with a reflection upon how the spaces for, and perceptions from the car can be considered as urban heritage – especially in an era in which automobilty is questioned.