Planned Cities: How to Identify Them

The goal of a city well planned is to provide speed, efficiency, and comfort in all the daily activities of its inhabitants, while allowing for a coexistence between natural, urban, economic, and social elements. Although this trend has been growing in recent years in Colombia, there are still several challenges ahead.

In this blog, we will tell you about some of the most important characteristics of this type of city:

• Close to everything: One of the most emblematic examples is Serena del Mar, an urban development conceived from the “15-minute city” concept. This allows its residents to find supermarkets, schools, health centers, parks, cultural and recreational spaces, as well as workplaces, within short, easily walkable distances.

• Environmentally sustainable: These cities integrate renewable energies, are resource-efficient, and manage waste intelligently. In “The Dreamed City,” there are measures to mitigate the carbon footprint through its thermal district, an electric charging station, and the implementation of solar panels in places like the Serena del Mar Hospital. Additionally, sustainable transportation methods like walking or cycling are encouraged through more than 7 kilometers of sidewalks and bike paths. 

• Higher quality of life for its residents: The aim is to create urban environments that meet diverse needs and promote overall well-being. Serena del Mar is designed to provide its inhabitants with peace of mind and efficiency in essential services, such as the Serena del Mar Hospital and the Universidad de los Andes, among others. 

• Fostering a united community: The development of an environment in a city planned for the future contributes to the formation of stronger and more connected communities. Regular interaction between residents promotes a sense of belonging and cooperation. Additionally, local businesses and neighborhood markets become the heart of the community, fostering mutual support and the local economy. In Serena del Mar, Mi Comunidad is a non-profit entity that aims to ensure the sustainability of Serena del Mar over time, as well as guarantee its care, protection, and maintenance. It includes activities for residents to participate in and enjoy while connecting with each other. 

• Access to green areas: This type of city must have areas that allow its inhabitants to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Serena del Mar has successfully provided and guaranteed 2.1 square meters of green areas, such as gardens or tree-lined spaces, per resident so far.

Innovation, sustainability, and quality of life are some of the characteristics that make a city planned. Serena del Mar is an example of this, having been conceived on three pillars, including Planned for the future. Its inhabitants, visitors, and surrounding communities enjoy a superior quality of life that offers solutions of all kinds at their fingertips.

References:
Serena del Mar, La Ciudad Soñada que responde al Desarrollo Sostenible