On 27th of August, Sarhat Petrosyan urbanlab founding director, architect and urban planner, was invited to participate in the online session called “Public Spaces Under the Lockdown”, which was organized by European Forum Alpbach.
After communicating the situation with the coronavirus in the country, Sarhat Petrosyan highlighted how the letter reflects the prevailing inequality and injustice in our society or cities. As an example, Mr. Petrosyan brought forth the idea of not wearing masks while being in cafes on the sidewalks, whereas those walking or strolling in parks had to wear it. Another example was that the middle-income class could do their shopping online and get their products, whilst others had to go out for shopping or serve the same middle-income class. Sarhat Petrosyan also mentioned that those with personal cars could move around the city easily, whereas for people without cars, it was not that easy.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Petrosyan emphasized, that due to the changes caused by pandemic, the demand of private and country houses with adjacent plot will increase, meanwhile, in case of apartments, the presence of a balcony will play a decisive role. Mr. Petrosyan mentioned that the letter will not completely change our social life, however it will definitely have its influence on the designing of public spaces and their use.
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