Peter Kropotkin, what kind of urban design do you support?
I didn’t write step-by-step blueprints for cities, but from my writings on mutual aid, cooperation, and decentralization, you can infer what an urban design inspired by my ideas would look like. I want a mix of human scale, accessibility, and communal ownership rather than hierarchy and profit-driven planning. I want urban designs that are:
Decentralized and Polycentric with neighborhood autonomy: Cities would be made up of smaller, self-sufficient communities rather than a single, centralized power hub. Each neighborhood would have essential services nearby: food production, schools, medical care, and communal spaces.
Mixed-use, with Human-scale Streets: Homes, shops, workplaces, and social spaces need to be integrated rather than segregated by zoning for profit. Streets must b designed for people, not cars—walkable, bike-friendly, safe, and filled with greenery. Public spaces should encourage interaction and cooperation (markets, squares, playgrounds, community gardens).
Communal Ownership of Key Infrastructure - Factories, workshops, public transport, water, and energy systems need to be community-managed or cooperatively owned. Housing includes co-housing, cooperatives, and shared facilities to reduce inequality and promote collaboration.
Integration with Nature - Parks, gardens, and green corridors are abundant to provide fresh air, food, and recreation.. Local food production is emphasized: urban farms, rooftop gardens, and community orchards.. Sustainability is a priority, with decentralized energy (like solar and wind) and water systems.
Flexible and Adaptable. Buildings and streets are designed for adaptability, spaces are often multi-functional: a school courtyard could double as a market or meeting place.
Transport and Connectivity - Efficient public transport to link neighborhoods without forcing everyone into car dependency. Paths for walking and cycling are prioritized, creating a network of human-scaled connectivity.
My ideal city would look less like a capitalist metropolis, and more like a patchwork of vibrant, self-sufficient neighborhoods with shared resources, abundant green space, and a focus on mutual aid - a city designed for cooperation rather than competition.