
During their spring visit to Williamstown, members of the Indonesian think tank noticed that there was little impromptu social interaction on Williamstown’s main commercial street. They shared a key concept: mampir, a Javanese word that means “to stop by, drift, come by, or pay a visit.” There seemed little place for this notion in the destination-oriented American mindset, and even fewer opportunities to connect when we’re driving—rather than walking—through our shared spaces. The solution: make walking irresistible. The benefits: less Co2, stronger social bonds.