http://thecityfix.com/learning-to-walk-in-arequipa-peru/ Sustainable Urban Mobility Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:24:46 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5.2 hourly 1 http://thecityfix.com/learning-to-walk-in-arequipa-peru/comment-page-1/#comment-7058 Mauricio Huaco Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:16:47 +0000 http://thecityfix.com/?p=2182#comment-7058 Indeed, a truly pioneering iniciative to introduce not only a new concept in urban public space but also a new way of living. However, this effort could end useless when two important factors are kept aside. One has to do with encompassing this otherwise isolated project as part of the new transport system of Arequipa, viewed from an integrated point of view. Accesibility and mobility are to be planned together. The other issue has to do with timing and contituency. Since these kind of projects are large both in costs and time, it is importan for Arequipenians to make sure the following authorities will keep the main idea as much intact as possible, no matter political or skin color. Sadly, each new local goverment make sure their agenda is brand new making contuinity of large projects almost a chimera. As a landscape architect and sustainable transport supporter, Arequipa´s Mercaderes Pedestrian Street has become an inflection point in considering humanization of public open space as an achievable and tangible goal. I am glad that this project aimed to make cities more livable places has become tangible amid a such conservative society. Furthermore, economic boost among retailers along Mercaderes Street is a strong indicator that must be kept in mind for future pedestrianization projects expansion city-wide. Proper shading has to be introduced since Arequipa holds one of the highest UV radiation levels. We want people to walk, but only if a healthy and safe environment is available. Indeed, a truly pioneering iniciative to introduce not only a new concept in urban public space but also a new way of living. However, this effort could end useless when two important factors are kept aside. One has to do with encompassing this otherwise isolated project as part of the new transport system of Arequipa, viewed from an integrated point of view. Accesibility and mobility are to be planned together. The other issue has to do with timing and contituency. Since these kind of projects are large both in costs and time, it is importan for Arequipenians to make sure the following authorities will keep the main idea as much intact as possible, no matter political or skin color. Sadly, each new local goverment make sure their agenda is brand new making contuinity of large projects almost a chimera.
As a landscape architect and sustainable transport supporter, Arequipa´s Mercaderes Pedestrian Street has become an inflection point in considering humanization of public open space as an achievable and tangible goal.
I am glad that this project aimed to make cities more livable places has become tangible amid a such conservative society. Furthermore, economic boost among retailers along Mercaderes Street is a strong indicator that must be kept in mind for future pedestrianization projects expansion city-wide. Proper shading has to be introduced since Arequipa holds one of the highest UV radiation levels. We want people to walk, but only if a healthy and safe environment is available.

]]> http://thecityfix.com/learning-to-walk-in-arequipa-peru/comment-page-1/#comment-5802 Livable “Complete” Streets for Panama « PanamArq Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:57:19 +0000 http://thecityfix.com/?p=2182#comment-5802 [...] business in the area because people are more likely to browse the stores if they feel safe walking. Watch this video to see this theory put to use in Peru. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Photograph [...] [...] business in the area because people are more likely to browse the stores if they feel safe walking. Watch this video to see this theory put to use in Peru. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Photograph [...]

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