City Walk

City Walk is a unique television series that initially aired in 2013 on KCET. The show takes an enthusiastic, unusually deep dive into the overlooked aspect of city life – walking. It is a dynamic exploration of the way walking has shaped civilizations and continually influences the pulse and feel of urban spaces around the world. Entertaining and informative, City Walk surveys the role of pedestrianism in city life throughout history, present and future.

City Walk isn't just a travelog or cityscape description; rather, it's more of a multi-disciplinary exploration, intertwining urban planning, architecture, history, culture, fitness, and social interaction. It presents an aesthetically pleasing yet thought-provoking intersection of form, function, and the human element of cities worldwide.

The show is hosted by experts in the urban exploration field from across the nation, contributing their unique perspectives and in-depth knowledge on the profound impact walking has on modern cities. Each episode delves into the folklore of walking in various cities, discovering the hidden significance of usually 'taken-for-granted' components of cityscapes, from streets, paths, stairs to parks - everything that makes walkability feasible and enjoyable.

City Walk carries viewers far beyond the usual tourist destinations, revealing the heart and soul of the cities it features. It prompts us to appreciate the beauty and complexities of the urban form and to understand how walkability and urban design principles have substantial implications on public health, climate, sustainability, and our quality of life.

The show takes its viewers across various parts of the United States and sometimes even beyond. From the bustling metropolis of New York City to the beachside promenades of Miami and around the globe to pedestrian paradises like Copenhagen, it covers a broad geographical spectrum. At one point, viewers may find themselves navigating the sprawling pedestrian-friendly sidewalks of Portland, and other times, they might traverse the pedestrian bridges spanning the Los Angeles River.

Additionally, the show features interviews with an array of experts - planners, architects, environmentalists, sociologists, and historians illuminating the significance of walking from various angles. These encompassing conversations are essential guides helping viewers in understanding how walking not only serves as a transportation medium but also plays a crucial role in building a city's identity, character, and vitality.

What makes City Walk especially compelling is the variety of narrative techniques it employs. It gracefully distills complex urban design principles into digestible, engaging concepts. The show is richly textured, providing a tapestry of animations, graphic overlays, vignettes, and expert interviews. Similarly, City Walk also features 'Walk Stories.’ These beautiful brief narratives, often recounting personal anecdotes from people of all walks of life, inspire and cast an emotional anchor on the viewer's understanding of the importance of walking in urban landscapes.

This show strikes a perfect balance between entertainment and educational content. By increasing awareness about the importance of functional sidewalks, clean air, and safe, green spaces, City Walk invites citizens to become active participants in improving their cities. It advocates for environmentally sustainable, human-centered city planning that fosters not only physical, but also social and emotional well-being.

City Walk from KCET triggers a shift in perspective on how cities are and how they could be. It's an invitation to explore, engage with, and most importantly, appreciate the spaces around us. By taking the viewer on a textured, nuanced journey of urban walkability, it demonstrates that 'City Walk,' is not just a mode of travel - it's an enriching way of life, a humanizing philosophy that helps us connect with the world.

At once charming and informative, City Walk offers a renewed perspective of urban living. It's not just a series for city enthusiasts or urban planning aficionados; it's an insightful show that can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys story, society, and space. By focusing on the humble act of walking, it offers an empowering view on how individuals can make a significant impact on their surroundings and foster more livable, vibrant, and sustainable cities.

Whether you're an urban dweller or just a city explorer at heart, 'City Walk' will inspire you to lace up your shoes and fall in love with your city all over again or explore the wonders of new ones with a refreshed, invigorated perspective. Every street, every staircase, every park becomes a captivating narrative, creating a broad tapestry of shared human experiences that shape our cities and, in turn, shape us.