Sweden has launched the “One Minute Cities” project, a unique pilot project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the level of each individual street in the city, This is done by redesigning the functions performed by the streets in order to reduce the dependence of the population on private vehicles and increase the use of bicycles and electric bicycles, Take advantage of the free spaces in front of homes for community and other activities, As well as expanding green spaces.
In dealing with climate change, countries focus on large, densely populated cities, This is because it is the main source of carbon emissions from human activities. Some cities, including Paris, have begun to adopt solutions based on innovative urban planning at the neighborhood level. In some of its neighborhoods, the “15-minute city” model has been applied. Which revolves around shortening the distances traveled by the residents of a neighborhood to reach everything they need from their daily lives without the need to use private vehicles.
But Sweden has decided to move forward in this direction. The Swedish government innovation agency Vinnova, in collaboration with the urban design think tank ArkDes, has developed the “One Minute Cities” project, which Sweden plans to implement in all its cities by 2030. Starting with the capital Stockholm. This project will contribute to Sweden’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2045. which is provided for by Swedish law.
The authors of this new model were inspired by the concept of “15-minute cities”. But unlike the French project, which seeks to decentralize urban planning and make each neighborhood self-sufficient – so that everyone can get their various daily needs by walking or cycling for no more than 15 minutes – the “Cities of One Minute” project seeks to change the common perception of the street from being a space exclusively used for roaming and parking. To make it a vital area that constitutes an extension of the daily life of the families living in it. This is done by replacing some parking spaces with reconfigurable units, Made of pine wood, Can be used as seating seats, or as charging points or parking for electric bicycles, Or in children’s parks and playgrounds, Or any other items desired by the residents of the street themselves.
This project serves a dual purpose; on the one hand, it contributes to mitigating climate change. On the other hand, it helps to provide a healthy and sustainable environment that vibrants with social and cultural ties between the residents of the same street. The project also opens new channels of dialogue and direct communication between city authorities and the public to achieve the public interest. This makes the public a true partner in the decision-making process related to their city.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a factor accelerating the launch of the project, Where experts agree that life will not return to the way it was before the pandemic, They stress the need for innovation and change at all levels in the post-pandemic era. But the “One Minute Cities” project is not without its challenges, Because Sweden’s cities are still, Like the rest of the world’s cities, works to meet the daily needs of the population in light of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, Such as collecting waste, keeping schools open and other essential services, This is why they are reluctant to participate or provide resources for a project that they do not currently see a place in their immediate priorities.
On the other hand, Parking fees are a source of income that helps municipalities finance their services to residents; and eliminating two or more parking spaces on each street in the city will result in loss of revenue. This raises the legitimate question of how municipalities can be compensated for these losses. This one Many streets are witnessing more demand for parking from car owners, who will be difficult to convince that the alternative offered by the “One Minute Cities” project is worth giving up their parking.
But what sets the “One Minute Cities” project apart is that it is based in partnership and consultation with the public. He organizes workshops for street residents during which he presents the idea and introduces them to its benefits. and answers their questions, It is then up to them to decide how many parking spaces they want to maintain; the project also gives them the opportunity to choose between the functions of the platforms or modules they want to install on their street that serve their daily needs and contribute to providing a comfortable environment around their homes.
According to the initial reactions to the installation of these units on the streets of Stockholm, The project was welcomed by the population, Being highly dynamic and flexible, It takes into account the views and suggestions submitted by various Parties, As well as collaborative research with stakeholders, In order to continue to develop and enjoy the greatest consensus in the cities of Sweden, Many companies and institutions expressed their desire to support the project.
It is worth noting that the platforms created by the project are not fixed, Their locations or functions can be changed depending on the requirements of the street residents at a later stage, It is also redesigned to serve new purposes according to the needs of each street, The field therefore remains open for innovation.
Vinova believes that the “One Minute Cities” project marks the beginning of a transformation in urban planning and interaction between local communities after the Covid-19 pandemic. Its launch also coincides with the recovery phase from the pandemic, Because of the restrictions imposed on movement, Official stay-at-home circulars, It increases the desire of city dwellers to find alternatives that allow them to go about their daily lives in the extreme conditions that may be imposed by future pandemics.
References:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-01-05/a-tiny-twist-on-street-design-the-one-minute-city
