Rethinking Cities: Walkability and the Democratization of Urban Space

Modern cities face challenges that go far beyond the simple organization of streets and sidewalks. In contemporary times, issues such as sustainability, public health, social inclusion and urban mobility are at the center of concerns for urban planners, politicians and the population itself. The quality of the urban environment directly impacts the lives of citizens, from health to general well-being. In this context, cities such as Berlin, Paris, Barcelona, Groningen, New York and São Paulo present different approaches to address common problems: the occupation of public spaces, the safety and comfort of sidewalks and the revaluation of pedestrians in the face of the hegemony of the automobile.

Smart Urban Solutions: Sidewalks as a Mirror of the City

Berlin's sidewalks, made of porous concrete blocks and gravel, exemplify a smart urban solution that goes beyond simple paving. They act like a sponge, absorbing water and helping to prevent flooding, a common problem in large urban centers. The absence of a concrete subfloor allows water to be directed to the water table, while the porous material of the blocks facilitates drainage. This system not only contributes to sustainability, but also reduces maintenance costs and makes dismantling easier in the event of construction work. In a sustainable city model, solutions like this become essential.

In São Paulo, the reality of sidewalks reflects social fragmentation and the lack of standardized urban policies. Different types of materials and paving styles overlap, creating an uneven and unsafe surface for pedestrians. The experience of walking becomes a journey of obstacles, especially in regions where public space is appropriated by vehicles. Sidewalk space is often invaded by cars, compromising the safety of pedestrians and hindering the mobility of people with disabilities. This condition reveals a hierarchy of urban spaces that marginalizes pedestrians and favors cars, exacerbating inequalities.

Walkability: A Challenge for Metropolises

The concept of "walkability" is central to cities that seek to offer quality of life and reduce dependence on cars. In his book "Walkability", Jeff Speck defines four fundamental elements for a pedestrian-friendly city: reasons to walk, safety, comfort and visual interest. However, many cities, including São Paulo, fail to implement these characteristics uniformly. In more affluent neighborhoods, it is common to see well-maintained and accessible sidewalks, while in peripheral areas the lack of maintenance and planning results in sidewalks full of holes, narrow and unsafe.

In places like Rua Oscar Freire, in São Paulo, the combination of active commerce, wide sidewalks and proximity to public transport creates a pleasant environment for pedestrians. But this is an exception in a city where the urban development model prioritizes the car. Other cities around the world, such as New York and Buenos Aires, have adopted strategies to promote active facades, where businesses on the ground floor of buildings encourage the flow of people, creating a more dynamic and safe environment for pedestrians. This practice, in addition to strengthening local commerce, contributes to public safety, since the presence of people on the streets discourages illegal practices and promotes "natural surveillance."

Urban Mobility and Social Inclusion

Social inclusion and the democratization of urban space depend directly on an efficient mobility system. In Berlin, the use of porous concrete blocks for sidewalks not only benefits the environment, but is also an affordable resource that can be applied in different areas of the city, without socioeconomic discrimination. In contrast, the sidewalk maintenance model in São Paulo, where each owner is responsible for the section in front of his or her property, creates disparities between neighborhoods. Wealthier neighborhoods have well-maintained sidewalks, while peripheral areas suffer from neglect and a lack of adequate infrastructure.

The city of Groningen, in the Netherlands, is an example of how urban planning can prioritize people. Since the 1970s, Groningen has invested in infrastructure that facilitates the mobility of pedestrians and cyclists, resulting in a safe and inviting urban environment. The Dutch example serves as a model for cities seeking to reduce dependence on cars and increase pedestrian safety. In Amsterdam, the cycling culture, known as "fiets", illustrates a paradigm shift, where urban space is designed for collective well-being rather than for vehicle traffic.

The "15-Minute City" Model and Urban Restructuring

Paris, under the leadership of Mayor Anne Hidalgo, has been implementing the concept of a "15-minute city", in which citizens have access to all essential services within walking distance of their homes. This proposal seeks to reduce the need for long commutes and, consequently, the use of cars. Parisian urban planning integrates greenery and leisure areas, in addition to promoting renovations to streets and sidewalks to make them more accessible and inviting for pedestrians. The initiative to transform the Champs-Élysées into a more livable and green avenue is an example of the attempt to reappropriate public spaces for the benefit of the population.

Barcelona, with its "super islands" project, goes further by closing blocks of streets to vehicle traffic, creating exclusive areas for pedestrians. Inspired by Ildefons Cerdà’s 19th-century plan, the project aims to reduce traffic and noise pollution, while encouraging local commerce and increasing social interaction. However, the initiative still faces resistance from some groups, who consider the restrictions on cars to be a limitation of freedom. Despite the criticism, the “super islands” have transformed urban life in Barcelona, encouraging other cities to adopt similar practices.

Reclaiming the City for People: Perspectives for the Future

The experience of Groningen, Paris and Barcelona demonstrates that urban planning can be a tool for inclusion and sustainability. Cities that prioritize pedestrians, encourage the use of alternative transport and restructure public spaces for the benefit of the collective well-being show tangible results, such as a reduction in respiratory diseases, an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in stress. This type of planning challenges the hegemony of the automobile and proposes a new paradigm in which urban space is dedicated to people.

In contrast, São Paulo still faces significant obstacles. The fragmented model of responsibility for sidewalks, the absence of integrated urban policies and the lack of incentives for walkability reveal the need for a profound transformation. Measures such as expanding the parklet program, creating active facades and standardizing sidewalks can be important steps towards a more inclusive and healthy city.

Rethinking the Right to the City

The democratization of urban space involves revaluing pedestrians and creating an accessible, safe and inclusive environment. Successful experiences in cities such as Paris, Barcelona, Groningen and Amsterdam show that urban transformation is possible and desirable, even if it faces initial resistance. In São Paulo and many other metropolises around the world, rethinking sidewalks and mobility policies is an urgent issue that goes beyond urban planning; it is an investment in public health, social inclusion and quality of life.

Ultimately, building a city for everyone requires overcoming models that privilege the automobile and adopting policies that promote the right to the city for all citizens. With an aging population and the growing demand for healthy and accessible environments, the challenge is set: to make urban space a place of coexistence, a democratic space where every citizen can walk, interact and thrive.