The latest edition of the long-standing magazine from the Association of Architecture Offices (AOA) covers the evolution, regeneration, and recovery of cities, along with the need to challenge the paradigms that have been mandatory in planning and that must be reconsidered to significantly improve the quality of life in neighborhoods, towns, and cities. This was stated by the magazine's director, Yves Besançon, while unveiling the contents of issue #48 at an event that brought together associates, professionals, and partners at Espacio AOA.
“The relationship between human settlements and the natural environment, planning healthy cities, or focusing on realities that lead to urbanistically equitable and just communities seem to be the keys to achieving true social cohesion and respectful, ethically consistent human relationships,” he noted, adding that social needs for a pleasant and dignified life, as well as the mental health of inhabitants, are urgent aspects that must be considered, in addition to the challenge of creating safer and more accessible public spaces for all.
As builders of the cities of tomorrow, Besançon commented, architects are deeply concerned with urban rehabilitation processes in which the private sector and the State are urgently called upon to collaborate to face and resolve this challenge, which is nothing less than the rescue of our cities. “The recovery and renewal of our neighborhoods, towns, and urban centers will depend on concrete actions that facilitate a paradigm shift, moving away from 'business as usual' for the benefit of all and for a better habitat and quality of life,” he asserted.
