AoU Journal - Here & Now - Spring 2025
Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of the AoU's Here & Now e-journal, exploring the theme of mobility
Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of the AoU's Here & Now e-journal, exploring the theme of mobility
As the weather improves, we gravitate outside, like cats, to soak up the spring rays. Short commutes, trips to the post office or supermarket, and visits to neighbours or friends are more often the outcome of a walk or short cycle. FitBit data confirms this, we walk more in the summer than winter. But very often we find obstacles holding us back, sometimes physical, sometimes policy and sometimes psychological. In this issue we explore mobility and its impact on urbanism.
Often hailed as the pinnacle of cycling culture, the Netherlands leads the charge. Ahead of Congress in Utrecht this June, Director of Urban Development Bart van der Vossen reflects on the importance of mobility in healthy urban living. Barny Evans sets out his vision of a new town where human contact is prioritised over car use, calling for a future towns standard. Joe Bonomo shares ideas for how the UK could implement mobility hubs and where we can learn from.
Taking policy change head on, Andreas Markides asks whether the revised NPPF will affect the way Transport Planners work and the way the rest of us travel. Mark Bessoudo, in a Here & Now first, provides a photo essay of the humble bus stop looking, and how this humble structure can provide shelter in a warming world.
Leyla Moy steps into our Spotlight series with her reflections on urbanism and its specific meaning to her. Julie Plichon writes a love letter to Gillett Square in Dalston.
Exclusive to Here & Now, BDP’s Good City feature continues providing an international flavour in its analysis of alternative approaches available to Indian cities in their quest for a more sustainable future.
Finally, Mark Bessoudo steps in as our guest philosopher, contemplating identity, suburbia and transport through a sense of place in non-places.
As always, we hope you enjoy. Keep walking.
The editorial team
The AoU Journal is sponsored by Space Syntax
