Reimagining Our Cities Through Human-Centered Mobility
The global mobility landscape is undergoing a crucial transformation: cities and regions are moving away from a car-centric paradigm to embrace mobility systems that prioritize people. This shift is not just about changing how we move, it’s about rethinking the structure of our urban environments to create healthier, more sustainable, and more inclusive communities.
During the conference “Territoris centrats en l’ésser humà” (human-centered territories), part of the Territori en Moviment (TeM) sessions organized by IESE Business School, several key paradigms and possible solutions to the current mobility situation were analyzed.
Dr. Benjamin Büttner analyzed the concept of the 15-Minute City, which is one of the key ideas driving this transformation. It envisions urban areas where residents can access work, education, healthcare, and leisure within a short walk or bike ride from their homes. These areas can also be visualized through flowers of proximity through the presented map4citizens project (https://citizens.plan4better.de/).
Moreover, a round table was set for mobility experts to debate key concepts regarding urban planning and policymaking. Insights showed that there is a growing need to plan our cities considering social crises, available resources, political will, and new technology; effective planning requires not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of diverse human needs; and prioritizing active modes of transport will help to shift toward a people-first approach. Dr. Joan Moreno, a member of CARNET’s Academic Board, indicated that the need for planning is ever growing, especially considering the latest crisis we have gone through as a society.
In this scenario, concerns about gentrification can arise when implementing projects like the 15-Minute City. Yet, when applied equitably across an entire city, this model can serve as an “anti-gentrification” strategy, fostering inclusion rather than exclusion. Movement is usually associated with a richer economy, but growth is possible without the need to move, as Dr. Joan Moreno stated. This would align with the 15-Minute City vision, where short trips are meant to be the norm.
Beyond urban design, this paradigm shift also highlights the value of time. Mobility is no longer just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about enriching the journey. Public transportation, for instance, can be reframed as an opportunity for reflection rather than a mere inconvenience.
Policymaking is key to implement new mobility ideas. Convincing governments and societies to embrace these changes requires persistency, clear evidence, and a vision for a future that prioritizes people. This includes providing better options for active and sustainable transportation emphasizing that economic growth can be achieved without relying on the excessive mobility.
Ultimately, human-centered mobility will need us to reimagine our cities, reevaluate our priorities, and recognize that the way we move shapes the way we live.
