Uploaded on 2015-12-14 by JoanaPol

1. Education 2. Economy 3. Culture 4. Safety 5. Recreation **Why do we live where we live?** **Education** is the number one reason why I live in Porto (1). I moved to enroll in my University of choice, but I find it to be a very attractive city for several more reasons. Porto has a lively and charming atmosphere and the intricate dynamic of both new and old parts of the city contributes to its extensively rich artistic, **cultural and historical heritage** (2). What’s more, Porto has a very appealing architecture route and is able to offer a wide range of activities/leisure options that are **inclusive and socially-oriented** on a daily basis (3). Porto is a fairly affordable, safe and **small yet emergent** city (4). Thanks to its compact size, its structure, services and attractions are plentiful and also easily accessible. Added to this, its overall collaborative spirit must be highlighted – people from Porto are genuinely kind and warm-welcoming and have an **active role as social and political agents** when it comes to shaping and intervening in their own city (5). In conclusion, what I like the most about Porto has to be how well it has been adjusting to a fairly recent publicity and consequently the way it remains true to its own gracefully unpretentious identity. ![Porto][1] ![Porto's heritage][2] ![Porto's architecture][3] **To what extend does your own place of residence fulfill your ideal livability criteria?** 6. Education 85 7. Economy 60 8. Culture 90 9. Safety 90 5. Recreation 90 General livability score: 83 **What would you change?** First of all, I would stress the importance of **urban refurbishment**, when it comes to both neglected residences and significant historic buildings. I am confident that it would positively impact on the physical appearance of neighborhoods that have become relatively run-down but more importantly on the overall atmosphere of those areas. Secondly, I would implement some environmentally friendly interventions to **foster a behavior change when it comes to transport** and car use in particular, such as supporting an efficient, reliable public transportation system, the spread of car-sharing platforms, the promotion of bike usage and the development of cities’ public spaces to be more pedestrian. Added to this, **engaging the public constructively in policy and decision-making** is paramount. I believe that a supportive urban development is achieved throughout a responsible, people-oriented design / urban planning, structured in a pro-active and collaborative debate between the architects, the leaders and the public. **Why do we move?** • Helsinki • Copenhagen • Stockholm I would choose one of these three cities for the same reasons. The Nordic Model resonates with me as it stands for a **solid economy** (1) and social structure aimed specifically at enhancing individual autonomy and promoting social mobility in a **safe environment** (2). In fact, Nordic countries are **socially progressive** (3) and have a very high standard of living and welfare, where the affinity for efficiency, nature, **culture** (4) and **sustainability** (5) plays an important role. In fact, they have a pro-recycling mentality and support effective / reliable public transportation systems, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501313749756079.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501314395819706.jpg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1450131539729404.jpg