Urban Planning Expert Advocates for People-Centric Cities to Boost Quality of Life in Portugal
A leading Portuguese urban planning expert has called for a radical rethinking of how cities are designed, advocating for a shift away from car dependency towards creating healthier, more human-centric public spaces. Paula Teles, a civil engineer and president of the Institute of Cities and Towns with Mobility, speaking on the 'Mobi Boom' podcast, declared that the answer to creating healthier urban environments “lies in public space and the courage to change.” She believes that cities can be sources of happiness and well-being, but this requires reducing the dominance of automobiles, which she states is detrimental to both physical and mental health.
Teles argues that the quality of life in cities is intrinsically linked to the quality of their public spaces. “Public space is fundamental. We need comfort, inclusion, gardens, green structure to lower temperatures and provide quality and thermal comfort,” she explained. She was critical of short-sighted urban management, particularly the practice of removing green spaces for vehicle infrastructure. “Cutting down trees to create parking is a mistake,” Teles asserted. “A tree takes years to grow and create shade. Many of the ones we plant do not survive because the public space is full of concrete and has no room for the roots.” For property investors, this highlights the importance of green amenities, a key aspect of our property quality guide.
The conversation also addressed the profound social and psychological consequences of car-centric living. Teles warned that a generation of children is being raised with diminished autonomy and increased mental health issues due to excessive time spent isolated in cars. “Children have become hostages of their parents, growing up in the back seat of the car. Children arrive at school without autonomy, with mental problems, because they are isolated,” she stated. This isolation is a direct result of urban sprawl and the over-reliance on cars for daily travel.
The proposed solution is the concept of “cities of proximity,” where residents can live, work, and study within a short, walkable distance. “I am super against excessive commuting,” Teles declared, arguing for environments that encourage stillness and community interaction. This vision aligns with a growing global trend towards 15-minute cities, which are becoming increasingly attractive to international buyers and families. Our Lisbon neighborhoods guide explores areas that embody these principles.
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Teles emphasized that good public spaces are crucial for fostering social connection and mental well-being. “The city never isolates people if it has good public space,” she affirmed. This social infrastructure is as important as the physical infrastructure. She also stressed the need for “urban literacy” among both politicians and the public, so that citizens understand the wide-ranging benefits of walkable, bikeable cities, which extend from public health to climate change mitigation.
As a model of success, Teles pointed to the city of Pontevedra in Galicia, Spain. Through a concerted effort to prioritize people over cars, Pontevedra achieved zero deaths in its public spaces and cultivated a happier, healthier community, all with a relatively small budget. “With almost no money, it is possible to change the mentality of a city and have a more humanized city,” she concluded, proving that political will is the most critical ingredient.
This expert analysis underscores a pivotal moment in Portuguese urban development. The principles of walkability, green space, and community are becoming key drivers of desirability and, consequently, property value. Find properties that match your lifestyle preferences at realestate-lisbon.com.