Guadalajara's historic plaza has been transformed into a car-free zone with pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, featuring an underground transit system. The redesign, modeled after European urban planning, has sparked both praise and criticism.

Supporters like wildncrazyguy138 argue the shift reflects a broader trend in car-heavy cities like San Antonio, TX, and is achievable once cities reach a certain population threshold. Others, like schipelblorp, highlight Mendoza, Argentina, as a model with regularly spaced plazas that allow residents to walk to parks while avoiding car traffic. However, critics like SwingingTheLamp claim the before-and-after comparison is unfair, with the 'after' image making the car-less space look empty and desolate.

The community largely agrees that the transformation is a positive step toward walkable urban design, inspired by European models. Yet, there is a notable divide over the visual impact of the redesign and the practicality of car-free spaces. While some see it as a necessary evolution, others question its long-term viability and appeal.