Theories of development and welfare have been studied since the 1970s, and with the constant change in society and especially climate change, there has been a need to rethink the global economy.
The fundamental premise of the “Dona Model” is that urban and transportation development must operate within a safe and just space for humanity, balancing social needs and the ecological limits of the planet. This approach challenges the idea that more is always better and reminds us that true progress and social success is subject to balancing human needs with ecological limits. Personally, I believe this model represents a key opportunity to transform the way we think about development, especially in the infrastructure and urban planning sector.
Throughout my experience, I have seen how infrastructure can be a driver of socio-environmental change in a positive and beneficial aspect, however, if not planned with a holistic vision, it can generate negative biases. Applying the principles of the Donut Model in this area means designing cities and transportation systems that are not only efficient, but also sustainable and inclusive is not only a huge challenge, but also an urgent necessity.
One of the aspects that excites me most about this model is its ability to rethink urbanism in a more equitable way. It's not just about technology or efficiency, but about putting people at the center of urban design.
Examples such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam show that it is possible to create cities where mobility is safe, accessible and environmentally friendly. In Mexico, we are taking the first steps with strategies such as “on-street parking”, or the recovery of urban spaces, strategies to take care of people's mobility, such as “King Pedestrian” and innovative collective transportation systems such as the well-positioned “CPT”, which are more than anything else cable cars that seek to optimize urban space and promote sustainable mobility. However, much remains to be done to achieve a real paradigm shift.
From a technical point of view, implementing the principles of the Donut Model in urban infrastructure involves integrating data-driven planning tools, digital modeling and environmental impact assessments. Technologies such as intelligent traffic management systems, the use of low-impact green building materials and the integration of renewable energy into urban design are key to reducing the environmental footprint of our cities. Which, as we can see, are already a reality and ESG elements are becoming more and more timely and specific to any project.
The Donut Model offers us a compass to guide development without overstepping planetary boundaries or leaving anyone behind. I firmly believe that, if we adopt this approach, we can build smarter, more resilient and equitable cities. At the end of the day, it's not just about infrastructure, or developments for transportation integration, but about the life we want to build within it.
