Equality and the City: Urban Innovations for All Citizens

Enrique Peñalosa Londoño's book Equality and the City discusses his experience as mayor of Bogotá and his perspective on sustainable transportation and equal access to public space. He emphasizes the importance of city design in defining human happiness, dignity, and equality, and provides practical criteria for constructing different and better cities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 09 April 2024
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

Enrique Peñalosa Londoño, a renowned urbanist and former mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, delves into the challenges and opportunities facing developing cities in his book, Equality and the City. Drawing on his extensive experience as mayor and his international work as a lecturer and consultant, Peñalosa offers insightful perspectives on sustainable transportation and equal access to public space.

As mayor of Bogotá, Peñalosa Londoño initiated the development of the TransMilenio Rapid Bus Transit system, one of the largest and most comprehensive public transit systems in the Global South. The system, which carries 2.5 million passengers daily along dedicated bus lanes, bike paths, and a rapid metro line, emphasizes accessibility for the entire population. Peñalosa Londoño's ambitious efforts to create public space were equally remarkable. During his two terms as mayor, more than a thousand public parks were created or improved, ensuring that residents had access to green spaces within their communities.

Underlying these policies was a compelling humanistic philosophy of sustainable urbanism. Peñalosa Londoño believed that city design should not be limited to engineering but should encompass the broader aspects of human happiness, dignity, and equality. He argued that an advanced city is not defined by the ownership of cars by the poor but by the widespread use of public transport by the rich.

In Equality and the City, Peñalosa provides practical criteria for conceiving and constructing different and better cities. He outlines the obstacles that hinder urban development, such as political polarization, economic inequality, and environmental degradation, and offers solutions to overcome them. Peñalosa advocates for a more inclusive and sustainable urban planning approach that prioritizes the needs of the poor and marginalized communities.

He also highlights the importance of public participation and engagement in urban planning processes, recognizing that cities are not just built by governments but by the people who live in them. Peñalosa's book provides a roadmap for policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders to create more equitable and sustainable cities that promote the well-being of all residents.

Through his visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable urbanism, Enrique Peñalosa Londoño has left an indelible mark on the world of urban planning. Equality and the City is a valuable resource for anyone interested in shaping the future of our cities and creating a more just and equitable society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781512825701