this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2023
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Solarpunk Urbanism

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A community to discuss solarpunk and other new and alternative urbanisms that seek to break away from our currently ecologically destructive urbanisms.

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[–] Track_Shovel 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

This is a cool idea.

I think we need to take it one step further and have these dying malls turned into affordable housing for homeless people.

While you don't want to start a slum, or shuffle homeless people to be 'less visible' you could have these malls have services to support them. For instance, addictions counseling.

Something as simple as a safe place to sleep, and access to regular food and water can really help people get back on their feet.

[–] poVoq 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

These malls are often hard to reach by anything other than a car, thus if you don't have a thriving community within its not going to be very attractive even for homeless people that usually still try to find jobs or otherwise partake in social life.

I could imagine old malls being used as elderly care homes though.

[–] kool_newt@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago

I think if you convert the parking lot into farmers markets and gardens and parks, and swap meets, they people might not need to leave much.

[–] Track_Shovel 1 points 1 year ago

That's another good use.

While I read the text in the link that mentions the access issue, I don't agree. My city is notoriously inaccessible to anything but cars, but this doesn't stop homeless from congregating wherever is suitable to them (often green spaces). I think a 'if you build it they will come' approach would probably work.