Sociology

Reading David Byrnes Wall Street Journal article Perfect City is like watching the Talking Heads member play a game of SimCity, the popular simulation game that allows players to build and design a city according to his or her liking, on the computer (Lew 11). Having this god-like ability proves quite irresistible, as evidenced by the games popularity, and I cant help but make my own perfect city. Like Byrnes vision, mine is also a collage of various cities of the world
Size. Byrne says that its good to have a large city because its generous attitude towards failure creates less embarrassment for someone who commits a mistake (Byrne 1). For me, however, a small, cozy city gives you the best of both worlds friends and family who will pat you in the back for a job well done, and the very same people who will not mince their words if you mess up. Call it tough love and yes, you may end up getting more than your healthy dose of scrutiny, but I think everyone deserves to experience this familiarity and honesty. It builds character.
Density. Keller, TX, with its 38, 100 population size, is the no.7 best place to live in 2008 according to Money Magazine. The population density of 1, 483 people per sq. mile (Money Magazine 23) sounds just about right for one to maintain some privacy in life.
Sensibility and Attitude. Despite a very high poverty rate, Filipinos have continually been ranked as one of the happiest people of the world. They are said to find something amusing even in the direst of situations, a coping mechanism perhaps. (Jimenez-David 7) Whether they are braving a tropical storm or the wrath of an earthquake, Filipinos still manage to stay true to their sense of resiliency and optimism. Coupled by the comforts that make Copenhagen, Denmark the city with the happiest people on earth, this will be the perfect attitude for my perfect city. Copenhagen residents maintain their happiness by being environmentally conscious, enjoying free healthcare for all, and allowing government to pay for 90 of a workers salary for four years when someone loses his or her job (Business Week 5).
Security. The City of Luxembourg, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is the safest city in the world in the 2008 Quality of Living Survey of Mercer Human Resource Consulting. Based on personal safety, internal stability, crime and effectiveness of law enforcement, it is very rare for residents to worry about security in the area (Mercer). My perfect city must make its people feel and see that law and order is at work.  
Chaos and Danger. Order is good, but if one is not even allowed to chew gum because law and order prevents you from doing so, as in Singapore, it takes away something as essential your freedom. I will still stick to United States cities in terms of this criterion. Americans cant question their freedom to do as they choose, but they also know they cant court danger when the long arm of justice is at work. 
Human Scale. German cities know their human scale. A visit to the city of Cologne or Gummersbach in the Northern Westphalia proves this. Houses, buildings and other establishments stand respectfully beside each other, their height and hue in close dimension and feel to each other.
Parking. When it comes to parking, I cannot compete with Byrnes choice Japan. It makes perfect sense why Japanese parking and traffic is nothing like the nightmare that is San Francisco traffic. Besides Byrnes mention of underground parking, Japan also has the most precise and efficient subway system, and of course, a lot of bike riders, making parking anon-stressful issue for its residents.
Boulevards. Champs Elyses in Paris still comes to mind when the word boulevard crops up. My perfect city must a boulevard as this broad, tree-lined, scenic, busy and charming.
Mixed Use. The Latin Quarter, also in Paris is a perfect example of how to use a space in a multitude of ways. It is known for its dynamic atmosphere, thanks to its closeness to higher education establishments, eclectic bistros, and unique shops. One never runs out of things to do while at the Latin Quarter, as in all of Paris. 
Public Spaces. I love cities with public spaces of rich history. The Green in New Haven, for example, is a central square that dates back to 1638. It was originally used as a farm, a graveyard and a religious center, and became central to the life of New Haven, having hosted so many personalities from Gen. George Washington to musician Ray Charles in the course of its existence (Benton A3). Public spaces must have a story to tell, and the longer, the better.
Socio-Economic Make-up. In terms of socio-economic make-up, Singapore is my archetype. Since its early history, Singapore has been home to a multi-racial population. Today, majority of Chinese linguistic groups reside in Singapore, along with Malays, Indians, Eurasians and Arabs. (8) Diversity is good, as there is much learning in the exchange of cultures, beliefs and experiences. It also builds tolerance, which is an essential trait for humanity. Adding to it is Singapores ability to unite despite its variety, and work towards maintaining its very robust market economy.