A series exploring the transformation of cities and its impact on daily life unfolds in this engaging and original content. Last month, as the sky turned a delicate lemon-yellow, a group of around 50 Parisians gathered in a nautical-themed loft on Rue de l’Aude in the southern part of the city. The occasion was the Talking Cheese event, where attendees were required to bring a cheese of their choice. Benjamin Dard, one attendee, shared that he brought a wheel of Époisses, a popular local cheese from Burgundy, as a nod to his wife’s origin. Dard added humorously, quoting former French president de Gaulle, “It’s like de Gaulle said: ‘How can you govern a country where there are 300 different kinds of cheese?'”
This unique event is organized by the Republic of Super Neighbors, a grassroots initiative in Paris’ 14th arrondissement, a predominantly residential district on the Left Bank of the Seine. Over 1,200 Super Neighbors connect through 40 dedicated WhatsApp groups, seeking assistance with various tasks such as finding a cat sitter or fixing broken appliances. The community holds weekly brunches, post-work drinks, and communal gatherings where older residents share their memories with younger generations. Perhaps their most notable event is the annual La Table d’Aude banquet that spans a street with a 400-meter-long table.
This hyperlocal experiment, initiated in 2017 by local resident and former journalist Patrick Bernard, emphasizes the importance of focusing on smaller neighborhoods as the cornerstone of urban policy. Bernard believes that revitalizing a sense of place and community will transform the citizens and urban landscape of Paris. The motto of the project is to increase daily interactions between neighbors from five to fifty times.
This initiative is part of a larger global movement reclaiming cities from the ground up, promoting close interactions, mutual support, and a sense of neighborliness. Advocates of this movement argue that immediate neighborhoods serve as effective platforms for combating the various crises faced by urban populations, including loneliness, food insecurity, extreme heat, and social unrest resulting from inequality. They propose that future cities should be built as interconnected villages, fostering public spaces and strong communities.
In Paris, where minority residents often feel marginalized socially and geographically, the Republic of Super Neighbors aims to be inclusive and welcoming. The group consists of members from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Muslim, and East Asian individuals. Participation is free, and the community has even come together to financially support a Malian refugee in the past.
Ramon Marrades, director of Placemaking Europe, a network of European organizations focused on revitalizing public spaces, advocates for placing community at the core of urban development. Marrades believes that inclusive policies allow residents to take an active role in their community, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional investment.
The concept of the 15-minute city, which promotes the idea of meeting all fundamental needs within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, has gained popularity among urban planners. However, the challenge lies in successfully implementing this vision at a local level. While the 15-minute city focuses on physical infrastructure, the three-minute city concerns tailoring it to the specific needs and characteristics of each community.
Multiple cities worldwide are adopting a hyperlocal approach to urban planning. Barcelona, for example, is creating Superblocks, microneighborhoods of 400 by 400 meters that prioritize community projects, green spaces, and mobility. Throughout Sweden, the concept of one-minute cities aims to create vibrant and sustainable streets by 2030, incorporating movable street furniture. Pilot programs in cities such as Stockholm have resulted in a 400% increase in outdoor activities.
Vancouver, with its well-suited streetcar grid, provides an ideal canvas for promoting neighborliness. Professor Scot Hein from the University of British Columbia envisions the city divided into 120 “community catchments,” each containing a school, mixed housing, and a commercial area.
Policymakers worldwide are embracing the hyperlocal approach to urban planning. In June, U.N. Habitat launched the Global Observatory of Sustainable Proximities to promote this model, considering it crucial for human well-being and effective climate action.
In Paris, the authorities recently adopted a new Local Urbanism Plan aimed at strengthening neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and improving the overall quality of life. The city’s Resilience Strategy report stressed the importance of encouraging neighbors to occupy and animate public spaces, turning challenges into opportunities.
The Talking Cheese event organized by the Republic of Super Neighbors serves as a platform to showcase the incredible knowledge and talents within the local community. From discussions on fake news to insights from an astrophysicist, these events bring neighbors together in a uniquely enriching environment. The sense of solidarity and mutual support is evident, with residents looking after each other’s pets and belongings.
However, the Republic of Super Neighbors has broader goals, including promoting health, mobility, and climate consciousness. By encouraging emotional and physical investment in public spaces, the group aims to reduce littering and improve overall cleanliness. Collaborating with nonprofit organization Les Alchimistes, they have successfully implemented compost bins across the neighborhood, processing an impressive 60 tons of organic waste annually.
Undoubtedly, the Republic of Super Neighbors demonstrates the economic and social potential of conviviality in urban development. Their innovative initiatives, funded by the Participatory Budget program, have already revitalized public spaces and created vibrant community hubs. With continued support and investment, the hyperlocal approach has the potential to reshape cities into socially resilient and environmentally conscious landscapes, where the strength of neighborly bonds helps overcome the challenges of the modern world.
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