Summary:
PDM dictates housing, commercial, and public transport policies in Lisbon.
Current PDM has been unchanged for 12 years, despite significant city transformations.
Urgent need to address housing crisis, gentrification, and climate change.
Experts advocate for a comprehensive revision of the PDM.
Discussion on the PDM's future is finally underway.
Understanding Lisbon's PDM
The Municipal Master Plan (PDM) is a crucial document that dictates various aspects of Lisbon's urban development. It outlines housing areas, commercial zones, parking regulations, and public transport expansions. Furthermore, it regulates the height of buildings and the preservation of views. This plan is intended to guide the city's policies in the medium and long term.
A Decade of Stagnation
The current PDM has been in effect since August 31, 2012, and despite significant transformations in the city over the last 12 years, it remains unchanged. The national standard is to revise such plans every ten years; however, Lisbon has persisted with the same regulations for over a decade. Recent discussions have reignited the need for a revision of this strategic document to address new challenges such as the housing crisis, gentrification, and climate change.
The Need for Revision
The urgency for updating the PDM is evident as the city has evolved dramatically. Experts like Tiago Mota Saraiva, an architect and urban planner, emphasize the importance of revising the PDM to meet the current demands of urban life in Lisbon. The plan's revision is finally beginning, aiming to adapt to the pressing issues affecting the city.
Photo: Rita Ansone
Conclusion
As Lisbon prepares to review its PDM, the focus will be on creating a sustainable, inclusive, and adaptable urban environment for all its residents.
Edited by: Inês Leote
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