The 1939 New York World’s Fair was a pivotal event that showcased a vision of the future that was heavily influenced by industrial capitalists and their aspirations for progress. The theme "The World of Tomorrow" captured the imagination of attendees, offering a glimpse into what the future could hold for American society. The Futurama exhibit, in particular, stood out as a symbol of this vision, with its depiction of automated highways and sprawling suburbs symbolizing a utopian ideal of progress and prosperity.
However, as we reflect on this historical moment, it is worth considering what an alternative perspective might have looked like. What if the focus had been on meeting true anthropological needs and promoting ecological sustainability? Would a model emphasizing organic shapes, green spaces, and pedestrian paths have resonated more with the public than the linear, dynamic vision presented by Norman Bel Geddes? Could a model that prioritized moderation and human connection have been more appealing than one that encouraged excessive travel and consumption?
These questions prompt us to reconsider the choices that were made at the time and to think about how different decisions might have shaped the future. Perhaps if attendees had been offered an alternative to the automotive and oil industries' endorsed vision, we would be living in a world that values sustainability and human well-being over unchecked growth and development.
The automobile – long been a symbol of freedom – has, in fact, imprisoned us. The disorienting infrastructure in which we all find ourselves is not the result of a grand vision for humanity, but one of profit for the automotive and fossil fuel industries. Capitalizing on the deplorable urban landscapes and dirty factories at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, they seized the moment to shape a world completely dependent on their products. This was the birth of the suburb, consequently leading to the "great acceleration" and the normalizing of inefficient energy consumption and environmental and ecological disregard.
The suburb – designed around the concept of the nuclear family – did not take into consideration the full range of human needs. From a sociological and anthropological perspective, the extended family is considered the most common family structure in most cultures and at most times throughout history. Human development, dependent on multigenerational influence, was drastically altered by this artificial environment, with consequential effects on social and societal well-being.
The automotive industry not only focused on facilitating transportation out of town but also significantly impacted city planning. They promoted regulations mandating that even the most crowded urban areas allocate a significant amount of street space for parking private vehicles. Nationwide, local ordinances have been implemented mandating that developers of houses and apartments must include off-street parking, irrespective of the actual need of residents. Henry Grabar elaborates in his book "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World" that more space is designated for parking each car than for housing each individual.
Real estate prices in New York’s Greenwich Village, Boston’s South End, and many international vacation destinations are proof that people are perfectly happy in dense neighborhoods without cars and parking. Most of the urban areas in the U.S. are not walkable, and 76% of Americans commute by car. The general consensus of studies done on driving a car is that they make people less happy and less healthy. People who drive are at greater risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. They have decreased sleep, increased depression, increased feelings of being under pressure, and are more likely to divorce. Road rage has become synonymous with the driving experience.
The prioritization of personal automobiles and infrastructure necessitates a considerable amount of wealth for both ownership and upkeep, which directly exacerbates the housing crisis. Additionally, the wasteful consumption of resources and energy by cars has had a substantial negative impact on the worldwide ecosystem. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 29% of the nation's air pollution, contributing to global warming, originates from the transportation industry, with 58% of that pollution specifically linked to light-duty vehicles such as passenger cars.
STATISTICS REGARDING THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
The total number of cars bought by Americans in 2020 was around 14,471,800 million.
In 2020, there were 39.3 million used light vehicles sold in the United States.
According to data from 2019, 91.3% of households in the United States have access to at least one vehicle.
The number of registered vehicles in the United States reached 286.9 million in 2020.
Americans collectively spend $698 billion annually on automobile loans and insurance.
Global vehicle production in 2020 exceeded 77.6 million units, with the US ranking second only to China.
There are approximately 1.41 billion vehicles registered worldwide.
It has been observed that off-street parking regulations are relatively easy to comply with for developers in the suburbs constructing fast-food establishments, shopping centers, and detached houses on affordable open land. Conversely, downtown developments, both commercial and residential, are able to cover the costs of constructing costly parking structures through their revenue. However, there exists a challenge for projects that fall in between these two categories, referred to as the "Valley of High Parking Requirements". In such cases, the mandated number of parking spaces cannot fit in a standard surface lot, and building structured parking is deemed too expensive. Consequently, these parking regulations have hindered the construction of rowhouses, triple-deckers, and other small apartment buildings. According to Grabar, over the past fifty years, the construction of new buildings with two to four units has decreased by more than 90 percent. Many housing experts argue that the diminishing supply of affordable market-rate apartments in small to medium-sized buildings is a significant factor contributing to the ongoing housing crisis.
The prevalence of automotive infrastructure leads to pollution, exacerbates flooding, and absorbs heat from the summer sun. The rise of the ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) movement exemplifies the fundamental issue of local regulations hindering the construction of apartments while permitting parking structures. The shift towards cities now approving ADUs, often created in suburban garages, represents a correction to the significant social issues resulting from prioritizing cars over human needs.
The current push towards electrifying our infrastructure is often misguided, with electric cars being presented as a simplistic solution to maintain the status quo and avoid environmental and geopolitical crises. It is crucial to acknowledge that the conflicts over resources for car production and operation have not led to societal progress and have harmed the environment. Our infrastructure is based on a falsehood perpetuated by powerful capitalist interests. Our dependence on personal vehicles persists due to a lack of alternative environments that do not necessitate their use in our daily lives.
Looking back at the 1939 World’s Fair, it becomes clear that there is value in exploring alternative perspectives and challenging the status quo. By considering different visions of the future, we can learn from the past and make more informed decisions moving forward. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it is essential that we are presented with a range of perspectives that reflect a diversity of values and priorities. Only then can we truly create a future that is sustainable, equitable, and fulfilling for all.
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