Architect Calls for Radical Shift in Lisbon's Urban Mobility, Citing Major Economic and Quality of Life Impacts
Urban architect and mobility specialist Rita Castel’Branco has issued a strong call for a fundamental change in how Portuguese cities are structured, highlighting a deep-seated dependency on cars that she argues is costing the country dearly. In a recent public discourse, Castel’Branco detailed how Portugal ranks as the second country in Europe for economic costs related to transport externalities, with impacts on health and quality of life amounting to 7.2% of the gross domestic product. This places the nation among the least active populations in Europe, a direct result of urban planning that has long given precedence to the automobile.
The architect’s analysis points to a critical imbalance in the use of public space, a factor with direct consequences for community well-being and the urban environment. “We have about 80% of public space dedicated to cars, and it is critical to make more room for walking, cycling, and more efficient and comfortable public transport to attract more users,” Castel’Branco stated. She advocates for a strategic overhaul of urban infrastructure to reverse this trend, creating cities that are more livable and people-centric. This vision is part of her doctoral work on “The path to the desirable city,” which proposes a holistic framework for developing coherent public policies aimed at enhancing urban happiness and sustainability.
The current mobility paradigm, according to Castel’Branco, contributes to severe societal problems, including poor road safety. “We are among the European cities with the most pedestrian accidents, resulting in the death of one person every three days,” she noted, emphasizing the life-inhibiting consequences and the significant economic drain from lost productivity due to traffic congestion. A source from the Lisbon Municipal Chamber of Urban Planning, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the growing consensus around these issues. “The data presented by experts like Ms. Castel’Branco is undeniable. There is a clear need to rethink our urban cores to foster healthier lifestyles and reduce the negative impacts of traffic. This is central to our long-term strategy for Lisbon’s development.”
The proposed changes involve not only physical infrastructure but also a cultural shift away from car dependency. By creating attractive and viable alternatives, the goal is to naturally alter public behavior. This approach is seen as essential for addressing environmental concerns and improving the overall quality of life for residents. The architect’s vision is for a city that provides a healthier and more pleasant environment for the largest number of inhabitants, a goal that requires a departure from decades of car-focused development. The implementation of such a strategy would involve reviewing and aligning Portuguese legislation to ensure that all public policies work in concert towards creating these “desirable cities.”
This initiative is framed as a necessary evolution for Portugal’s urban centers to remain competitive and attractive on a global scale. The focus on enhancing public spaces and promoting sustainable transport is expected to have a cascading positive effect on local economies, public health, and the daily experience of those who live and work in the city. The debate sparked by Castel’Branco’s proposals is set to influence future urban development projects and infrastructure investments across the country, with Lisbon being a key area of focus for these transformative ideas.
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