Personal · 4 min

Where a city meets itself

I measure a city by its squares. Not the grand, representative ones, but the small ones where everyday life happens. A good square is the living room of a Grätzl, and when a city renews such a square, it does the right thing.

Less asphalt, more life

For decades the squares belonged to cars. Now they are being reclaimed, tree by tree, bench by bench. I find this one of the loveliest movements of our time, because it is quiet and yet changes everything. A square with shade changes how a whole Grätzl lives.

Trees are air conditioners

On a hot day you feel the difference at once. Where trees stand, the air is a few degrees cooler and the head calmer. Nature can do something no technology does as beautifully. I wish for cities that trust this old wisdom again.

A square belongs to everyone

The loveliest thing about a public square is that it belongs to no one and to all. Child, elder, neighbour, stranger, all sit on the same bench. There are few places that connect so naturally. A good Grätzl begins right here, in the middle, under a tree.