#23 Sara Bega: Las Catalinas - Building a Stunning Car-Free, Kid-Friendly, Multi-Generational Town

Las Catalinas might be the most beautiful town built in the 21st century.  And my guest today, Sara Bega, has stewarded its evolution as Town Architect for a decade.  Las Catalinas is a car-free, kid-friendly, multi-generational community in Costa Rica. Their goal is to create a pedestrian-first environment that maximizes kid freedom and allows for independent exploration and discovery. The town is built on 20% of the 1200-acre site, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops. 

We discuss Sara’s professional journey, and the principles and practices behind developing such a stunningly beautiful and human neighborhood that serves as an inspiration and example for what is possible today.  

If you do anything today, just click on this link so you can see the town.  It stands as a testament to the beauty humans can cultivate when they set their mind to it: Beach Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica | Las Catalinas (lascatalinascr.com)

TAKEAWAYS

• Creating a car-free, kid-friendly community allows for independent exploration and fosters curiosity and connection with nature.

• A pedestrian-first environment benefits not only children but also adults and families, creating a sense of community and connection.

• Las Catalinas is a successful example of a car-free community, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops built on a 1200-acre site.

• The community achieves car-free living through walkability, valet services, and emergency vehicle access.

• The town architect's role is to oversee the design and planning of the community, ensuring a balance between privacy, walkability, and optimized views. Creating a sustainable and adaptable community requires prioritizing human experience and connection.

• Designing a walkable town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces fosters a sense of community.

• The legal structure of a town should allow for flexibility and adaptability over time.

• Trust in human intelligence and the ability to solve problems is crucial for the success of a community.

• Creating a sense of place involves considering the local climate, using natural materials, and designing for the long term.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Las Catalinas

09:46 Creating a Kid-Friendly Community

27:56 Shifting Conversations and Culture

39:48 Solving for Walkability, Privacy, and Optimized Views

42:16 Reversing and Backing into Codes and Legal Structure

45:17 Creating a Clear Legal Structure for Ownership and Responsibility

50:10 Treating a Town as a Town

55:38 Balancing Prevention and Allowing the Best to Happen

01:00:37 Guiding a Town's Growth and Adaptation

01:06:21 Allowing a Town to Grow and Change

01:10:56 Creating Timeless and Sustainable Architecture

01:19:19 Approaching Life with Courage

CONNECT WITH SARA & SHOW RESOURCES

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/begadesignstudio/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabega/

• Las Catalinas: https://www.lascatalinascr.com/

• Notre Dame School of Architecture: https://architecture.nd.edu/

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