I got the chance to chat with Andy Boenau today, who sometimes refers to himself as a Plangineer, with a background in urban planning and engineering.  We chat about the flaws in traffic engineering and the need for a different approach to the built environment.  Andy is passionate about questioning established norms and finding shared interests to drive positive change. He advocates for the need for critical thinking and curiosity in industries that often prioritize conformity. 

TAKEAWAYS

• Traffic engineering often prioritizes efficiency and speed over the needs and well-being of communities.

  
  



• Questioning established norms and finding shared interests can lead to positive change in the built environment.

  
  



• Critical thinking and curiosity are essential in industries that tend to prioritize conformity.

  
  



• Reforming parking and zoning regulations can lead to more vibrant and diverse communities. Unhealthy infrastructure has negative consequences on physical and mental health.

  
  



• Creating a connected network of bike lanes is crucial for promoting cycling as a mode of transportation.

  
  



• Public opinion plays a significant role in shaping infrastructure decisions.

  
  



• There is a need for a shift in urban planning and design to prioritize human well-being.

  
  



• Andy Boenau is working on a documentary on healthy infrastructure and a book on public opinion.

  
  

CHAPTERS

00:00 Rethinking Traffic Engineering

09:26 The Power of Social Media

35:02 Driving Positive Change

39:30 Creating Vibrant and Diverse Communities

39:59 The Impact of Unhealthy Infrastructure

45:15 Physical Health Consequences of Car Crashes

49:19 Trauma of Walking on Certain Streets

54:54 Dancing as a Mental Health Solution

01:05:51 Creating a Connected Network of Bike Lanes

01:12:06 Upcoming Projects: Documentary and Book

CONNECT WITH ANDY

Website & Blog: https://www.urbanismspeakeasy.com/

https://x.com/Boenau

https://www.linkedin.com/in/boenau/

Documentary:
White Collar Epidemic: Infrastructure Is Crumbling Our Minds & Bodies - Film and Storytelling | Seed&Spark (seedandspark.com)

CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE

https://www.buildingculture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/

https://twitter.com/build_culture

https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL

https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell

https://playbook.buildingculture.com/