Closer – The City of Proximity
Lezing / Debat
The urbanisation of station areas and public transportation hubs is a major focus in urban planning today, driven by the goals of proximity and sustainable mobility. These areas, often located in already developed districts, are ideal for mixed-use development and frequently require improvements to their environmental quality.
Research shows that as cities become denser, with more housing, jobs, and amenities, people’s mobility patterns shift. Walking and cycling become more common, and car use declines. This reduction in car dependency frees up space currently occupied by moving and parked cars. This newfound space can be repurposed for more “green” and “blue” areas, which can help cities and towns better handle extreme weather events like droughts, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall, while also boosting biodiversity. Additionally, people tend to appreciate living environments that feature more greenery and less asphalt and metal, which encourage physical activities like walking and cycling. Such environments are not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being.
Densification also brings new investments into existing neighborhoods. This co-investment can support the transitions these areas are already undergoing, such as funding the construction of heat networks, creating climate-adaptive green spaces, improving the housing market, and diversifying mobility options.