
Tampere - Swimming Against the Tide
At the time of writing half of the world is either on lockdown to try and limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, or is beginning to ease isolation measures. The effects of the pandemic are being felt at all levels of society from health to education, the economy and the way we live in cities. The density of urban living has been put into question and what were once the rewards of human contact: the level of conviviality, engagement in cultural and leisure activities, the carefree mixing of cultures and life styles cities afford could soon turn to fear, thus feeding instincts of isolationism and, at worst, nationalism.
Data from a External linkHarris Poll, taken at the beginning of May, found that nearly a third of Americans are considering relocating to less crowded places as a direct result of Covid-19. In particular, a young cohort of respondents (aged between 18 and 35) indicated that they perceive “socially distanced downtowns" as an unappetizing prospect, and would consider relocating to smaller places.
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