What if cities grew in, not out? | Aaron Harris | TEDxLasVegas
What if our cities were designed to bring people together instead of pushing them apart? For decades, car-centered development has left communities isolated, resource-strained, and disconnected from nature. In this inspiring talk, engineer and urban advocate Aaron Harris demonstrates how walkable, human-centered neighborhoods can enhance mental health, stimulate economic vitality, and preserve the environment.From Las Vegas to Seoul, he reveals how rethinking parking lots, zoning laws, and neighborhood design can turn dead space into vibrant places. This talk challenges us to stop treating sprawl as inevitable, and reminds us it’s not too late to build cities where people, not just cars, truly thrive.
About the Speaker:
Aaron Harris is an engineer, educator, and urban advocate passionate about how cities shape our lives. With a background in mechanical engineering and computer science from the University of Southern California, he spent a decade in the tech industry applying data and systems analysis to solve complex challenges. A Climate Reality leader, Eagle Scout, and avid adventurer, he brings a global perspective to urban design, blending technical expertise with a deep appreciation for community and nature. An educator, technologist, and community advocate based in Las Vegas. With a background in engineering and a passion for exploring technology's potential, he focuses on redesigning environments to enhance the happiness, health, and connection of the people who live in them. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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