Professor Carlos Moreno talks about the urban future in Florianópolis

The event brought together authorities, entrepreneurs and guests to discuss sustainability and new ways of living in cities..

Casa Hurbana Bocaiúva received, last Tuesday (23), professor Carlos Moreno, a French-Colombian urban planner, author of the book "The 15-Minute City" and advisor to the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. Known worldwide for his concept of services, work, and quality of life just minutes from home, Moreno was in Florianópolis at the invitation of Hurbana and Cidade das Águas for a presentation followed by a discussion on the future of urban life. The event also featured the participation of Mayors Topázio Neto of Florianópolis and Adriano Silva of Joinville. 

In his presentation, the professor explained the importance of integrating three forms of intelligence to promote sustainable urban transformation. Moreno defined the concept as the "Power of the 3 AIs," which correspond to Ancestral Intelligence, which rescues ancient knowledge and practices that promote harmony with the environment; Adaptive Intelligence, which develops the capacity for adjustment and resilience in the face of rapid climate and social changes; and Artificial Intelligence, which uses technology strategically and ethically to optimize resources and improve the quality of urban life.

"We need to see other ways of living and adapting," Carlos Moreno emphasized during his speech, emphasizing that true innovation lies not only in technological advances, but in a "different way of thinking." He argued that, to face climate challenges and contemporary social problems, it is essential to develop a deep "urban veneration"—that is, a respect and love for the place where one lives.

Santa Catarina is a national example of sustainable urbanism

The concept championed by Carlos Moreno is already being applied in projects in Santa Catarina, such as Cidade das Águas, in Joinville, a partnership between the CRH Group and Hurbana. It stands out for bringing together housing, culture, education, and infrastructure in a single space, reducing the need for cars. "It's a great honor and validation to see one of the greatest exponents of global urbanism embrace the '15-Minute City' concept, which inspires and guides us so much," says Danilo Conti, general director of Cidade das Águas. "Our purpose is precisely to realize this vision: to build a neighborhood where people can live, work, study, and have fun within a short walk, fostering human connection and a higher quality of life," he adds. 

Another example that puts Santa Catarina on the map of sustainable urbanism is the Creative City of Pedra Branca, in Palhoça, internationally recognized for its application of the New Urbanism concept. The territory has over 4 million square meters of urban development, thousands of residents, and over 2.800 businesses. "We believe that the future of cities depends on projects that prioritize community and environmental balance. Urban transformation must meet society's new demands and offer innovative solutions to contemporary challenges," says Marcelo. Gomes, CEO of Hurbana. 

Santa Catarina initiatives highlighted at urban development event

Carlos Moreno's agenda also includes Complan, Brazil's leading seminar on planned communities, subdivisions, and urban development, taking place in Atibaia, in the interior of São Paulo state. Moreno will be speaking on "The Proximity Revolution: Lessons from the 15-Minute City" in a lecture moderated by Marcelo Gomes, CEO of Hurbana. Danilo Conti will also present the case study of Cidade das Águas, addressing the "Development of mixed-use projects in urban voids."  

Another highlight is the workshop "Placemaking – How to Create Living, Desirable Spaces", with the participation of Patrícia Philippi, executive director of Hurbana, and architect Juliana Dal Piva, a partner of Hurbana and Cidade das Águas. The team's presence reinforces the leading role of the state and local companies in building new benchmarks for sustainable urbanism and cities closer to the people.