Virtual communities and Phoenix light rail transit (Arizona).

摘要

Community is an inherent aspect of life, and most humans have a natural affinity towards a sense of community. This study explores the possibility of enhancing the sense of community through the integration of the physicality of the light rail transit and virtual Information management system.; New communication technologies may prove to be a source of developing a sense of community in the modern world. As the new technology attempts to globalize the world, the meaning of a community has transformed, reducing distances within the global setup. The metropolitan region of Phoenix, Arizona is undergoing urban sprawl and is party to a new light rail transit system, which shall connect the existing developed areas of the valley, including Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix. Is it possible, then, to virtually connect the physically ever-growing city using the new communication technologies coupled with the proposed transit system to enhance the sense of community in the users of Phoenix light rail transit? (Abstract shortened by UMI.)