
Charles Montgomery
An insightful exploration of how thoughtful urban design can enhance human happiness, health, and social connection, offering a blueprint for transforming cities into joyful, sustainable communities.
Bogotá’s former mayor Enrique Peñalosa famously declared war on cars to make the city happier.
2 more facts available in the app
Section 1
10 Sections
Imagine a city where the streets are alive with the laughter of children, where the air is fresh, and where people greet each other as neighbors rather than strangers. This is not a utopian fantasy but a vision rooted in the belief that cities are, at their core, projects of happiness.
In the early 2000s, a remarkable experiment unfolded in Bogotá, Colombia. The city’s mayor embarked on a radical transformation—not to boost GDP or build towering skyscrapers, but to make the city happier. By banning private cars for a day, Bogotá saw a 30% drop in hospital admissions and, incredibly, zero traffic deaths on that day. Streets once choked with exhaust and noise became playgrounds and gathering places.
Yet, this insight stands in stark contrast to a puzzling global trend known as the happiness paradox. Despite unprecedented economic growth over the past decades, especially in wealthy nations, self-reported happiness has remained flat. Why? Because wealth alone cannot buy the social connections, health, and freedom that are the true ingredients of a joyful life.
As you journey through this story, you will discover how cities can be reimagined to nurture joy, health, and belonging, and how simple changes in design can ripple through lives, communities, and even the planet. The path ahead is challenging but filled with hope. Let us begin by understanding the deep roots of this vision and the powerful lessons from cities that dared to put happiness first.
Next, we will explore the science behind happiness and how our brains, bodies, and behaviors respond to the environments we inhabit.
8 more insights available in app
Unlock all 10 sections, 9 insights, full audio, and interactive mind map in the SnapBooks app.
Discover the hidden forces in city planning that influence your mood, relationships, and health — and how a new movement is changing our urban lives.
Read articleExplore the hidden ways your city’s layout could be draining your happiness and discover inspiring solutions for reclaiming joy in urban life.
Read article