How has our Urban Diet changed our Urban Form?

Many UWI students flock to the students' activity centre (SAC) everyday.  Whether it be to have lunch, study or just hang out, this central spot has become a third place for many student. It has become a spot for the sharing of so much information and experiences.

The advent of our urbanized diets has not only changed our biological component but it has also changed the make-up of the urban city. As noted previously the increase in urbanization has led to a diet which consists mainly of food purchased outside of the home. Food that is fast, convenient and cheap. It seems as though the more we purchase ‘take out,’ the less we spend time in our kitchens cooking a pot of home cooked corn soup, much less the home

Therefore, spaces within the urban centre must be transformed in order to accommodate this influx of urbanites. As a result we see fast food joints and even corner street food stands providing comfortable seating areas and amenities in order to accommodate and ensure the return of their customers. These food outlets have created many third places within urban areas. These spaces provide a home away from home, an accommodating environment, food and drink and of course the regulars.

These third spaces are abundant within urban areas of Trinidad; a perfect example is walking along the Ariapeta Avenue.

http://chamber.org.tt/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/culinary-tourism-con-feb-19-14.pdf 

We see ever more often restaurants and food stalls are visited and embraced by many urbanites in Trinidad; I have even experienced this back home. Although our night life is not as vibrant as Trinidad’s one thing is certain, everyone flocks to Hamilton on a Friday night to get some of Bradshaw’s finger licking Barbecue chicken. Here, many locals congregate on the benches and stand around on the bay-side while enjoying each other’s company. The increase in third places within urban spaces as a result of our urbanized diet has also lead to the act of conviviality. This not only involves the interaction between persons laughing and having a great time, but also interaction with their environment.

What does this say about the future for urban planners? 

Would many of our streets in Port of Spain and other urban areas be filled with side walk cafes with outdoor seating? And if so, would it foster a sense of social capital or community spirit?

References

Banerjee, Tridib. 2001. “The Future of Public Space- Beyond Invented Streets and Reinvented Places.” APA Journal 67, 1.