People have many theories and speculations about longevity; exercise more, eat less, don’t drink as much (or at all for that matter, Lancet Medical Journal) but none of these get close to the real indicators of longevity. So what’s actually killing us if not for the most commonly talked about factors? Some studies point us towards something a little more to the core of the human condition that is most often neglected.

In a recent Ted Talk longevity researcher Susan Pinker discussed her findings regarding the reason why in a remote village in the Mediterranean people are living into their 100’s more frequently than other places. The biggest indicators for this phenomenon are social factors. Interaction. Density. The number two most telling factor is relationships with family, and the number one indicator is Social Integration, how many people you talk to in your day. Interactions between your neighbor or someone you see walking down the street, increasing oxytocin and lowering stress while releasing dopamine all by acknowledging other people.

Thinking about the Landing, what was once a bustling shopping market is now barren and a very inefficient use space, not benefit a neighborhood. The area has the benefit of being extremely accessible, having almost constant traffic not unlike around an area like the plaza. The problem is that no one stops (unless its to pick up Wendys). This area has the capability of bringing people from all over together, and with some drastic topography along Troost, incredible vistas.

Increasing the social interactions is important, we are social creatures and crave that bond between other humans. It is essential. In an age where kids spend on average of 9 hours on technology and less than 10 minutes outside. Where for the first time in two centuries, a generation is not expected to live as long as their parents due to obesity. Where we live in an age with the majority of our children have Nature Deficit Disorder, a term coined by Richard Louv in his book Vitamin N.

The above diagram shows different view-sheds that were apparent when I was looking around. There are 3 different types of views onto this site, street level, birds eye view and Interior views. Meyer blvd., a continuation of the Paseo holds leads the drivers along a scenic route up until this knuckle where it splits off. Then from Troost, one can see the whole site from the street, especially from the sidewalk.

It seems that getting outside, walking, interacting are all the key appointments in the longevity cabinet of an individuals life. First impressions are a myriad of what once was but has decayed into dysfunction with snippets of a lively past interwoven in sporadically. The whole lot is paved, it is 50+% parking lot, and it is in a busy area. The possibilities of this lot are wide and unknowing. But what the site lacks, the neighborhood makes up for. With architecture worth looking at along Paseo and not to mention the amount of green space and amenities surrounding the site, there is a lot to build upon.