By Arch. Daniel Daners
Member of the Sports and Leisure Work Programme
Sport, as a cultural and social phenomenon, plays a fundamental role in shaping cities and strengthening collective identity. Its influence extends beyond physical activity, encompassing essential aspects such as social cohesion, public health and economic development. After the pandemic, the value of public spaces and the need for inclusive and resilient urban planning have become increasingly evident.
Integrating sport into territorial planning allows public space into a place of meeting and equality, where people can share experiences and build a sense of belonging. In this context, the Sport-City-Territory Subsystem is presented as a strategic framework for action. Through nine structuring axes, it offers a coherent and sustainable way to incorporate sport into urban life. This approach not only promotes citizen well-being but also contributes to the comprehensive development of both city and territory
Sport and Territorial Development
Sport is an essential component of cultural and territorial construction. Its integration into urban planning allows for an improvement in the quality of life of citizens. By recognising the potential of sport to strengthen local economies –urban consolidation, infrastructure development, productive chains, technological contributions, promoting tourism, among others – a holistic vision of the city emerges. One that promotes not only physical well-being but also social cohesion. In this sense, the nine axes of the Sport-City-Territory Subsystem help structure an urban environment that fosters interaction and the development of active citizenship.
- Horizontal or Transversal Coordination: Collaboration between actors from both public and private sectors is key to optimizing resources and enhancing the strengths of each entity. Sport, being an activity that involves multiple dimensions – such as health, the environment and education – requires inter-institutional coordination that addresses these areas in a transversal and coherent manner.
- Multi-level: Sports planning must take into account different levels of government, from local to international. Multi-level coordination enables policies to be adapted to specific contexts, respecting the particularities of each territory. It also encourages the creation of collaboration networks between municipalities, regions and nations, which promote the exchange of experiences and resources.
- Citizen Empowerment: Sport is a tool for participation and democratisation, offering citizens the chance to shape the environment. By promoting citizen empowerment, public policies are guaranteed to be more representative and sustainable, as they respond to the real needs of the population. This empowerment strengthens the sense of ownership over sports spaces and strengthens the sense of belonging and commitment to the territory.
- Sustainability: In a global context marked by environmental concerns, sustainability must be a cross-cutting theme of any urban policy. Sport, by encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting the use of outdoor spaces, can contribute to reducing the ecological footprint. Integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) into sports planning allows cities to develop in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner, promoting sustainable mobility and the efficient use of resources.
- Active City: Urban design should facilitate access to physical activity and support active mobility. Initiatives such as the “15 Minute City” seek to ensure that all essential services, including sports, are within an accessible distance for citizens. This approach not only promotes physical activity but also improves the mental health and general well-being of the population, by reducing stress and encouraging social interaction.
Sport as a Social Integrator and Economic Driver
Sport has the power to bring people together and strengthen the social fabric. Sports and recreational spaces are meeting places where people from different backgrounds and cultures can interact, share experiences and develop a sense of community. In addition, sport is a significant source of employment and income, generating both direct and indirect economic benefits for cities. The development of sports infrastructures and the organisation of events can attract investment, encourage tourism and boost the local economy. This approach includes the following axes:
- Promoting Sports Development: Local governments should act as facilitators, working with educational institutions, clubs and community organizations to develop programs that promote sports in their territories. In addition to creating new infrastructure, it is essential to maintain and optimize existing facilities, ensuring that they are accessible to all citizens. Community sport should be a priority, as it is a direct route to improving the quality of life and strengthening the sense of community.
- Regional Sports Hubs: The creation of sports clusters, for example in metropolitan areas, can boost the local and regional economy by attracting sports tourism and generating employment. In addition, these hubs can become centres of excellence where high-level training and competition programmes are developed. The consolidation of these hubs requires a strategic vision that considers the strengths and opportunities of each territory, integrating the particularities of the environment and promoting cross-border collaboration.
Saskia Sassen reminds us that: “Public space is a place, a moment in complex trajectories where there can be equality. Equality does not exist, it exists as a momentary condition of equality in public transport, in the square, in the street…”. Public policies MUST work towards this equality. Sports spaces fulfil this function by offering opportunities for everyone, regardless of origin, to participate and contribute to the social and cultural development of the city. In addition, sport encourages mobility and accessibility, by promoting inclusive public spaces designed for people of all ages and abilities. These spaces contribute to the development of an equitable and cohesive city.
Innovation, Technology and Urban Sustainability
Innovation and technology are transforming cities, and sport is no exception to this trend. Sports Innovation Hubs enable cities to become centres of innovation, where new technologies are developed, and entrepreneurship is encouraged. These hubs not only generate employment and attract investment but also position the city on the international stage. In addition, the use of sustainable technologies allows reducing the environmental impact and improving the efficiency of sports infrastructures. The latest axes of this Subsystem are:
- Smart Cities and Sports Innovation Hubs: Technology makes it possible to optimise the management of sports facilities, improve the user experience and facilitate access to physical activity. Sports Innovation Hubs can attract companies and entrepreneurs interested in developing sports-related products and services, creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic development. In addition, these hubs can become a driving force for change in the city, by promoting a culture of sustainability and social responsibility.
- Think at Different Scales: Planning should consider local, regional and global levels, creating synergies between cities through Sister Cities projects. These projects allow cities to collaborate and share resources, taking advantage of each other’s strengths to develop joint initiatives. For example, establishing sports tourism circuits can encourage cultural and economic exchange between cities, while promoting sport and sustainable development.
Innovation in sport can also contribute to urban sustainability through the use of technologies that reduce water and energy consumption in sports facilities, the implementation of sustainable mobility solutions and the development of infrastructures that adapt to environmental conditions. By fostering the development of smart cities, sport becomes a catalyst for sustainability and urban resilience, promoting responsible use of resources and a higher quality of life for citizens.
In conclusion
Integrating sport into urban planning is essential for building sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities. The nine structuring axes of the Sport-City-Territory Subsystem, promote physical activity, strengthen the social fabric and foster economic development.
Sport is a powerful tool to improve both the quality of life of citizens and the innovation and urban sustainability. Territorial planning must recognize the value of sport as a key factor in building cities that are habitable and that offer their inhabitants opportunities to fully develop. Ultimately, sport not only contributes to physical well-being, but also strengthens identity and sense of belonging, making cities more welcoming, inclusive and dynamic places. It is essential to continue promoting policies that integrate sport into urban life, in order to build a more equitable and sustainable future.