Reflections on the Future of Cities and Mobility
Takeaways inspired by a talk from Philipp Rode (LSE Cities)
These reflections are Eline's own takeaways, following a session with Philipp Rode that was part of a tailor-made learning expedition we designed to explore the future of mobility. By bringing together key thinkers and practitioners, we aimed to spark fresh insights and meaningful dialogue. Philipp’s talk offered exactly that—thought-provoking perspectives from his work at LSE Cities, highly relevant for anyone navigating complex urban challenges. Below are some of Eline's personal notes from that conversation.
1. From Mobility to Access
One of the most compelling shifts is the move from thinking about “mobility” to thinking about “access.” It’s no longer just about how efficiently we can move around the city, but whether we can reach the things that matter—workplaces, healthcare, education, friends. Cities that reduce travel distances and bring essential services closer to where people live are not only more livable but also more equitable. The 15-minute city model, where most daily needs are within walking or cycling distance, seems less like a utopia and more like a necessary response to current challenges.
2. Urban Form Shapes Climate Outcomes
Another key takeaway was the strong correlation between city density and energy consumption. The denser the city, the lower the per capita energy use—mainly because people travel shorter distances and rely more on public transport. This connection between urban planning and climate action is often overlooked. Building compact, mixed-use neighborhoods isn’t just smart urbanism—it might be essential for meeting emissions targets. Sprawling, car-dependent cities lock in patterns of high energy use and inequality that are difficult to reverse once established.
3. Technology as an Enabler—With the Right Direction
The talk highlighted how technological innovation—autonomous mobility, smart infrastructure, digital services—has the potential to radically improve how cities function. As someone who’s optimistic about tech, I was encouraged by this framing. But what also came through clearly is that these tools won’t lead us to better outcomes on their own. Their benefits depend on how cities choose to apply them. If guided by inclusive, sustainable goals, technology can be a powerful enabler—supporting access, lowering emissions, and enhancing efficiency. The moment we’re in offers real opportunity, and it’s up to us to shape the direction.
4. Resilience Needs to Be Holistic
We’re entering an era where cities must be prepared for layered, complex risks: not just floods or heatwaves, but food insecurity, cyberattacks, migration, and social unrest. What I took from the talk is that true resilience goes beyond infrastructure. It involves institutions that can adapt, communities that are engaged, and policies that are inclusive. Resilience is
about how a city responds to uncertainty—and that means investing in both physical and social systems.
5. The Street Is a Political Space
Finally, what happens on the street is deeply political. Decisions about who gets priority—cars, cyclists, buses, pedestrians—reveal a city’s values. Cars, in particular, carry emotional and cultural weight. For many (and I have to admit, for me as well), they symbolize freedom and status. But they also consume enormous amounts of public space. Reclaiming that space for other uses—green areas, terraces, play zones—often triggers strong resistance. That tension underscores the need for more inclusive processes and clear communication. If we want to build healthier, more balanced cities, we need to bring more people into the conversation about how we share our streets.
In Closing The session was a powerful reminder that the future of cities will be shaped not just by new technologies or bold policies, but by our ability to navigate trade-offs, engage the public, and think long-term. The most sustainable cities will be those that are not only efficient and resilient, but also fair and fundamentally human.
“When cities are designed around access, not just movement, they become places where more people can thrive—economically, socially, and environmentally.”
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