Urban changes - A more sustainable future? The case of Lisbon

Most of the environmental problems threatening a sustainable future are in cities, especially because most of the world population in a near future will be leaving in urban areas. The role of cities, with a number of combined problems, claim for a new planning attitude. Economic development has in many urban systems originated a process of spatial and physical segregation with dispersed urban activity patterns based on a rigid separation of activities and land uses, strongly dependent on motorised transport leading; to poor energy efficiency schemes. This has contributed significantly to a range of environmental problems. Urban systems need to encourage more concentrated activity patterns, shifting away from car transportation. Land use planning and the decision to locate facilities have big consequences in travel patterns and on sustainability. This paper aims at assessing the impact of a number of urban situations in Lisbon, covering physical plans recently developed in the city and traditional existing public spaces such as squares, parks and pedestrian areas, looking at their impact on flows of movement/energy consumption and the enhancement of public spaces environmental qualities. Special attention will be given to EXPO 98 to hold the last international exhibition of this century.