NewsWorldParis Revives Neighborliness with Experiment

Paris Revives Neighborliness with Experiment

-

- Visit our Sponsor -spot_img

A district south of Paris is rediscovering how it is like to become a good neighbor. With millions of people living in the City of Lights, many suffer from social isolation and loneliness. This occurs in many urban areas, but especially in Paris, where tourists go in and out of the city, people always moving and going somewhere and not making connections with others.

The experiment began in 2017 to entice residents to come out of their apartments and meet their neighbors. A 215-meter-long table and more than 600 chairs were set up along the Rue de l’Aude and all the residents in 14th arrondissement were invited to a special lunch. Attendees were urged to greet others with “Bonjour.”

City living doesn’t have to be unpleasant and anonymous. We want to create the atmosphere of a village in an urban space. —Patrick Bernard, local resident who launched the République des Hyper Voisins

“I’d never seen anything like it before. It felt like the street belonged to me, to all of us,” said local cafe owner Benjamin Zhong.

The République des Hyper Voisins, or Republic of Super Neighbors, encompassed about 50 streets and 15,000 residents. The social experiment aims to counter some of the disadvantages of living in the city such as elevated stress, depression, urban loneliness and isolation.

Patrick Bernard, a former journalist and local resident who launched the project, said other people have a negative impression of Parisians. “The stereotype of a Parisian is brusque and unfriendly. But city living doesn’t have to be unpleasant and anonymous,” he said. “We want to create the atmosphere of a village in an urban space.”

He pointed out that conviviality is more than just a feeling. “It can become a powerful asset, an essential economic and social agent in the construction of tomorrow’s cities.”

In the five years of the Republic, the community has hosted brunches, aperitifs, cultural outings, garden parties, children’s activities, musical parades and group exercise meets. There are also repair kiosks for broken electronics and equipment, spots to sell second-hand items, and sharing healthcare resources. Nearly 2,000 people attend the weekly events.

Many residents claimed the conscious change to become good neighbors had a great impact in their lives. Anna Morosova, who was originally from Russia, said the project gave her life stability after a divorce. “I live alone, but if I need help there is always someone,” she said. “There’s an energy this place gives me.”

More than a social gathering

In addition to building connections with neighbors, the Republic was instrumental in improving public services related to the environment, healthcare, public spaces and mobility.

Through the help of the city government, the Republic opened a medical clinic to provide care for the residents in the 14th arrondissement. It also collaborated with a nonprofit to install organic waste disposal points for compost.

The latest among the Republic’s projects is the transformation of the Place des Droits L’Enfant. What was previously a deserted area, it is now launched as a new space for people to use. The neighbors cleaned the area, planted flower beds and fixed the broken pavement.

“Paris is a big, cosmopolitan, diverse city, and it must stay a city of the people, a place where people live together happily,” said Pénélope Komitès, the deputy mayor of Paris in charge of resilience. “Through conviviality, solidarity and strong links between our inhabitants, we can better absorb unexpected shocks.”

Joyce Dimaculangan
Joyce Dimaculangan
Joyce has more than 15 years experience writing news, industry articles and blogs for the private and public sectors. Most of her career was spent writing technical documentation for a software company in the Philippines. She earned a B.A. in Communication Arts with a concentration in writing from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. During her leisure time, Joyce pursues her interest in reading fiction and playing with her dogs. She can be contacted at [email protected].
West Palm Beach
broken clouds
85.4 ° F
86.1 °
83 °
82 %
6.1mph
75 %
Wed
84 °
Thu
82 °
Fri
80 °
Sat
82 °
Sun
80 °
spot_img

Palm Beach

Hoffman Adding Buoyancy to Seafarers at the Port of Palm Beach

When one thinks of the sea, words such as power and awe, intense and majestic, and even serene come...

Brad Finch Now Leading SoB at First Pres North Palm Beach

Brad Finch of North Palm Beach, who hails from Taupo, New Zealand, has recently (Jan, 2023) taken the helm...

The King’s Academy Celebrates Grand Opening of the Frank DiMino Early Childhood Center

The King’s Academy celebrated its newest on-campus addition, the Frank DiMino Early Childhood Center, on August 5th with a...

Holy Water Hits Top Charts in Christian Music

In spite of the controversy over the subject of "Holy Water" by We the Kingdom, the song is reaching...

Something to Stand for in Theaters June 27

Trinity Broadcasting Network, Fathom, Impact Productions and mikeroweWORKS announce the release of Something to Stand For with Mike Rowe,...

Palm Beach

Lots of “Luck” and Many Blessings

According to Dr. Kevin Blackwell, Director of The Ministry...

Dr. Stephen Mansfield Shares Ten Signs of a Leadership Crash at Christian Business Assoc of the Palm Beaches

Christian Business Association of the Palm Beaches hosted their...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you