Unlock15
Empowering Transitions to the 15-Minute City: Unlocking sustainable urban mobility through citizen empowerment, institutional learning, and innovative tools.
Funded by “Driving Urban Transitions”, UNLOCK15 is a collaboration of 22 partners spanning six European countries seeking to unlock behavioral, institutional, and technological lock-ins that hinder the transition to the 15-Minute City.
PROJECT AIMS
UNLOCK15 is an alliance between research institutions, private enterprises, and public administrations aimed at empowering citizens and local authorities to overcome barriers to sustainable urban mobility. Focused on transitioning towards the 15-Minute City, this project emphasizes inclusivity, innovation, and collaborative action in mid-sized European cities.
Aim #1
Understand Transition Pathways
Investigate transition pathways to the 15-Minute City and the public discourses surrounding these transitions to better comprehend the socio-technical dynamics involved.
Aim #2
Empower CItizens
Compile, develop, and test various tools designed to empower citizens in the transition process towards the 15-Minute City, enhancing their engagement and participation
Aim #3
Co-create Narratives
Develop and apply methods for co-creating common local narratives and envisioning possible futures with community stakeholders, ensuring inclusive and participatory planning processes.
Aim #4
Foster Institutional LearninG
Promote institutional learning and citizen empowerment through the implementation and evaluation of Learning Living Labs, facilitating reflection, action, and knowledge exchange between partner cities.
But First…
A DEFINITION
The 15-Minute City is a vision of urban living where essential services—such as workplaces, schools, healthcare, leisure, and shopping—are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. This concept promotes a sustainable, human-centered approach to urban planning, reducing car dependency and enhancing community well-being.
UNLOCK15 seeks to unlock behavioral, institutional, and technological lock-ins that hinder the transition to the 15-Minute City. Through participatory tools, co-created narratives, and actionable insights, we aim to shape a sustainable, human-centered urban future.
Consortium Partners
The UNLOCK15 consortium is a vibrant collaboration of 22 partners spanning six European countries, uniting a diverse mix of academic institutions, municipalities, SMEs, and non-profit organizations. The consortium is structured into 6 co-applicants and 16 cooperation partners, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the project.
The co-applicants include leading academic and research institutions as well as innovative SMEs:
1. Technische Universität München (TUM) – Germany
2. Chaire ETI – IAE Paris Sorbonne – France
3. Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (BOKU) – Austria
4. Mobyome – Austria
5. Universidade do Porto – Portugal
6. Windesheim University of Applied Sciences (WUAS) – Netherlands
Munich, Germany
Technische Universität München
team Members
Benjamin Büttner
George Liu
David Duran
Sebastian Seisenberger
Lea Zuckriegl
Paris, France
Chaire ETI – IAE Paris Sorbonne
team Members
Carlos Moreno
Catherine Gall
Diego Sánchez
Vienna, Austria
Universität für Bodenkultur Wien
team Members
Yusak Susilo
Georgia Charalampidou
Roman Klementschitz
Zwolle, Netherlands
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
team Members
Els Beukers
Job Oberman
Cooperation Partners
Our 16 cooperation partners support the UNLOCK15 Project by collaborating in Learning Living Labs, providing specialized expertise, and serves as connections to the local community. The cooperation partners consist of a diverse network of municipalities, policy labs, SMEs, and non-profit organizations, each playing a crucial role in applying research insights to real-world urban contexts. This group includes progressive city governments committed to sustainable mobility transitions, specialized consultancies that bring expertise in urban innovation and citizen engagement, and advocacy organizations that ensure diverse community voices are represented. By working closely with these cooperation partners, UNLOCK15 ensures that its tools, narratives, and empowerment strategies are tested and implemented in mid-sized cities across Europe, making the transition to the 15-Minute City both practical and scalable.
Our 16 Cooperation partners include:
Urban Innovation Vienna – Policy Lab (Austria)
Vienna Blooming (Austria)
Verein Fairkehrswende Wien (Austria)
ONE.16 (Austria)
Verein MEI MEIDLING (Austria)
Ville de Sète (France)
Stadt Augsburg (Germany)
Gemeente Almere (Netherlands)
Humankind (Netherlands)
Universiteit van Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Cultuurhuis Almere Buiten / Stichting Openbare Bibliotheek Almere (Netherlands)
Gemeente Arnhem (Netherlands)
Municipality of Porto (Portugal)
Associação pela Mobilidade Urbana em Bicicleta (MUBI) (Portugal)
Campo Aberto (Portugal)
Municipality of Örebro (Sweden)
We’re Here To Help You
Our Approach
Data-driven visualizations for behavioral insights
UNLOCK15 leverages innovative data visualization tools to uncover patterns in mobility behaviors and highlight areas for improvement. These tools help stakeholders understand how infrastructural, behavioral, and institutional lock-ins shape mobility choices, enabling targeted interventions. By showcasing clear, actionable data, we aim to empower citizens, policymakers, and urban planners to make informed decisions that promote sustainable mobility.
Engagement through Workshops and Co-Creation
Our participatory workshops and co-creation sessions serve as platforms for citizens, local authorities, and stakeholders to collaboratively envision their ideal urban future. Using techniques such as interactive storytelling, scenario building, and hands-on design exercises, these sessions build trust and shared ownership over urban mobility transitions. The goal is to ensure that every voice is heard, fostering inclusive decision-making processes tailored to the needs of diverse communities.
Narrative Tools to Communicate and Shape Public Discourse
Public acceptance and support for urban transformation require compelling narratives that resonate with people’s values and aspirations. UNLOCK15 develops narrative tools—such as visual storytelling, campaign materials, and digital media content—to effectively communicate the benefits of the 15-Minute City. By addressing resistance to change and reframing mobility transitions as opportunities for improved quality of life, these narratives drive broader acceptance and collective action toward sustainable urban futures.