Cities around the world have been changing a lot lately, especially because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Places like Paris, Milan, Seville, and Brussels are leading the way in making cities more sustainable. Paris is doing things like reducing the need for cars with ideas like the 15 Minute City. Milan is a top city in sustainable living with its Urban Mobility Plan and clever urban ideas. Seville is big on green transportation and bikes, seen in its Pedestrianization Plan. Brussels, which used to really rely on cars, is changing with plans like the Pentagon mobility plan. Together, these cities are changing how we think about cities, making them more sustainable and better for everyone.
Original article written by : Scott Shepard
In recent years, there have been substantial transformations in the worldwide landscape, particularly in the areas of urban planning and transportation, largely influenced by the significant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Paris, as a noteworthy example, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in a relatively short span. While the city is often lauded as the benchmark for green mobility, especially in anticipation of the 2024 Olympic Games, a broader shift is occurring simultaneously across multiple European cities. Paris's evolution is deeply rooted in centralized planning, from Baron Von Haussman's radial boulevards to Le Corbusier's ambitious plans for a Radial City. Presently, Paris is actively reducing its dependence on automobiles through initiatives like the 15 Minute City, This follows a pattern of city planning that comes from the top and is connected to big moments in history and culture.
Milan, on the other hand, has swiftly emerged as a leader in sustainable urbanism despite historical challenges related to high car ownership and traffic congestion. The city's Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) promotes a shift away from automobiles to shared and active modes of mobility, emphasizing measures like congestion charges and pedestrianization. Milan's tactical urbanism, exemplified by the transformation of parking spaces into public areas, serves as a case study for cities seeking innovative solutions. Seville, Spain, stands out as a new cycling hub in Europe, embracing green mobility with a focus on pedestrian zones and promoting cycling as a primary mode of transportation. The city's Pedestrianization Plan, initiated in 2018, underscores its commitment to sustainable mobility and a significant shift away from car-centric practices.
Brussels, historically labeled as one of the most auto-centric cities in Europe due to "Brusselization," has undergone a transformation rejecting mid-century modernist principles. The city's emphasis on walking, cycling, and shared modes aligns with a broader goal to reduce car traffic and improve residents' quality of life. The Pentagon mobility plan, implemented in 2022, aims to slash transport emissions and prevent cars from crossing the city center. Brussels's recent public tender for shared mobility providers, mirroring Milan's ambition, signals a commitment to sustainable modal shift and a ground-level green mobility revolution. These European cities collectively represent a paradigm shift towards sustainable urbanism and mobility, shaping a new narrative for the future.