Philosophy ::
A Civilizing Vision

Recivilization is the process of creating more places worth walking to and more civilized ways to walk there. It reduces our dependency on cars and results in communities that are architecturally unique and vernacularly correct. 

 

Why Recivilize?

 

For Your Children ::

Civilization means freedom to your children. The freedom to discover and interact, at their pace, on their schedule. No longer dependant on a chauffeur (you) for transport to far-flung sub-urban recreational complexes (malls, ball fields, etc), kids are free to enjoy life. Streets are safe, neighbors are vigilant, and natural and man-made venues are accessible and convenient, encouraging time spent in the public realm (versus the private realm – on the computer playing games and the like).

 

For Your Parents ::

The primary reason your children respond to Recivilization is also the same reason your parents will – it offers the ability to function in society without a car. Giving up the car keys is traumatic for seniors, because in sub-urbia it represents the loss of freedom and an increased dependence on others. Civilization puts most daily needs within a safe and attractive quarter mile walk, prolonging their independence and vitality.

 

For Yourself ::

How much time have you been spending behind the wheel of your car lately?  Commuting back and forth to work, shuttling the kids to every single activity, just meeting the family's daily needs for food, clothing, entertainment, etc?  Civilized development brings daily needs to you, and replaces driving for a purpose with walking for a purpose. Less time in traffic means more time with your family and friends, doing things that really matter.

 

For Your Environment ::

Sprawl consumes land at an alarming rate, leveling forests and replacing them with subdivisions and parking lots. Energy and natural resource consumption rises as the benefits of compact development are ignored. Extreme auto-dependency results in increasingly dangerous levels of pollution, and here in Atlanta, Georgia, has gone so far as to create a "heat island" effect, which is believed to elevate summertime temperatures and inhibit rainfall, increasing drought conditions.

 

For Your Community ::

Civilization means less tax dollars for new roads, infrastructure and utilities, and more for civic amenities such as parks, squares, rural reserves, etc. Studies show that more compact development translates to more responsive safety services (fire, paramedic, etc) and that more eyes on the street results in reduced opportunities for crime and delinquency. Finally, non-auto transit options (pedestrian, bicycle, bus and light rail) become increasingly viable, reducing the community's auto-dependency and pollution contribution.

 

For Your Country ::

On a macro-scale, reduced auto-dependency means a reduced dependence on foreign oil, and less tax dollars spent resolving oil-related conflicts abroad. Here at home, the opportunity for more unique and human scaled developments will combat the societal ills – boredom, isolation, over-consumption – that result from sprawl (characterized by sameness and auto-scaled development). As a country and as a people, Recivilization is the catalyst that moves Americans from consumers to citizens.

 

For more information on the virtues of Recivilization, or to book a seminar including our "Civilization, Uncivilization and (Hopefully) Recivilization" presentation, please contact us.

 

How do we Recivilize?

 

See our services.​