An Interesting Article on Space

I just came across this interesting article in The New York Times about excess space in our environments. It opens with a quote:

“Our beds are empty two-thirds of the time.

Our living rooms are empty seven-eighths of the time.

Our office buildings are empty one-half of the time.

It’s time we gave this some thought.”

— R. Buckminster Fuller

Recently I've been thinking of somehow turning many of the unused lots in the less-nice neighborhoods around New Orleans into recreation areas where people can gather and play, learn, and express themselves. I drive through one of these neighborhoods everyday to and from work. People walk around outside and congregate on corners and sidewalks in these communities...it's why I choose to drive through these areas despite the havoc the streets are creating for my tires and my axle :( -- oh an it takes a few minutes off of my commute time. I enjoy seeing people interacting in their communities; it reminds me of the village where my father is from in Greece.
In many of the neighborhoods in New Orleans (as well as the rest of the country), the only time you see people outside is when they are trying to accomplish something (like jogging, walking their dogs, or cutting their lawns). Very rarely do you see people simply enjoying the moment and their community. I would like to change this. Maybe I can check more into how I would go about starting  a project like this...one that turns unused space into community enhancing environments. I will keep you posted :)