The 4 commandments of cities

Eduardo Paes is the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, a sprawling, complicated, beautiful city of 6.5 million people. He shares four big ideas about leading Rio – and all cities – into the future, including bold (and achievable) infrastructure upgrades and how to make a city “smarter.”

  1.  A city of has to be environmentally friendly. Finding open spaces in the concrete jungle and making sure people have access to those spaces is key. Think green.
  2. The city of the future has to deal with the mobility and integration of its people. Commuting is a necessary and time-consuming part of a person’s day. Finding cheaper alternatives to high capacity transportation must be done quickly and effectively to avoid the buildup of traffic jams and delays.
  3. Social integration. The slums are not always a problem; they can be a solution sometimes. The vicious circle can be changed into a virtuous one if you bring high quality education and health facilities in the slums, as well as infrastructure and community spaces. A city is made stronger when it offers all its citizens equal chances.
  4. The city has to use technology to be present. The introduction of the Operation Centre of Rio meant that the city could be governed from afar. Technology can help implement a model of governance with “No files, no paperwork, no distance, work 24/7”.

Source: TED Talks; Photo: Captain Travel

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