Podcast
How to create healthier cities? The answer lies in the public space and in the courage to change. Paula Teles, a civil engineer specializing in urban planning, believes that urban areas can be places of health, encounter and happiness. And much less dependent on prolonged car use, which harms physical and mental health. Listen here to the debut episode of Mobi Boom, Expresso’s new podcast
At the start of the Mobi Boom podcast, Paula Teles, civil engineer and president of the Institute of Cities and Villages with Mobility, challenges us to rethink the way we live and plan cities. The conversation, led by Luís Costa Branco, covers essential themes for the urban future: health, mobility, inclusion and the right to the city.
The expert argues that the quality of life in cities depends, above all, on public space: “Public space is fundamental. We need comfort, inclusion, gardens, green structures to lower temperatures and provide quality and thermal comfort.”
The green structure, he emphasizes, is not limited to large gardens: “Small green spaces, trees, flowers, everything counts. And cutting down trees to create parking is a mistake. 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 space for the roots.”
But urban health is not just made of trees. “Mental health is as important as physical health. And to have good mental health, we have to live together, we cannot be isolated. The city never isolates people if it has good public space”, he states.
Paula Teles warns of the impact of isolation, worsened by car dependence and excessive travel: “Children have become hostages of their parents, they have grown up in the back seat of the car. Children arrive at school without autonomy, with mental problems, because they are isolated.”
The solution, he argues, involves nearby cities, where people can live, work and study within a short distance. “It was about reducing distances. I’m super against excessive travel. We need to be stationary, of course, in a more welcoming, more careful environment.” And he leaves a warning: “Excessive movement every day leads to illness problems.”
The right to the city, remember, is for everyone.
The conversation also includes the importance of mayors and urban literacy: “We need mayors who are close to the people and explain to citizens the impact of a city where they can walk, cycle and live together. It’s not just a question of health, it’s also about sustainability and combating climate change.”
Paula Teles points to inspiring examples, such as Pontevedra, in Galicia, where the commitment to a city for people led to zero deaths in public spaces and a happier and healthier community. “The city does not have a death in public space. The mayor is a doctor, he created the party 30 years ago. It does not prohibit car traffic, but there are streets and streets and streets and streets that cars only pass through to drop off passengers. Almost without money, with many world awards, he proved that it is possible to change mentality and have a more humanized city.”
Listen to the premiere episode of Mobi Boom here.
Mobi boom is Expresso’s new podcast dedicated to mobility, innovation and quality of life in cities. Journalist Luís Costa Branco, father of two children and urban cyclist for several years, shares in this series of short interviews his passion for more sustainable and practical forms of travel.
Over the course of six months, the podcast will explore topics such as electric cars, scooters, bicycles, public transport, urban logistics, gardens and smart cities. A listening proposal for those who believe in greener, more humane and efficient cities.
Listen and subscribe to Mobi Boom on Expresso or your favorite podcast platform. New episodes every Sunday.
The way we move defines how we live. Mobi Boom is a weekly podcast about mobility, innovation and quality of life in cities. From electric cars to smart neighborhoods, we explore the ideas, technologies and trends that are transforming the urban fabric and our quality of life. If you believe in greener, more humane and practical cities, this podcast is for you. New episode every Sunday.
Mobi Boom is an Expresso podcast, produced by Tale House, and the first season is supported by Kinto.
