Urban Lunch Talk #29 – TOD revisited: Urban Planning and Design in Station Near Areas for Less Car Dependent Cities

Welcome to a new episode of the Urban Lunch Talks series addressing the theme ‘Urban transitions in times of crises’, focusing on the importance of getting the areas within walking distance to train stations and transport nodes in cities right to realise bold visions of cities becoming less dependent on cars.

In this episode we will shed light on the core elements of Transit Orient Development (TOD) and how it is implemented in Europe and China. What is the state of art in research and practice? How relevant is TOD compared to the 15minute-city concept to cater for attractive and walkable living environments? How do innovative solutions for shared mobility, e.g. mobility hubs and toolboxes, fit into the picture? How important is the walkability aspect, i.e. that these areas are pedestrian-friendly?

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) as a concept for integrated urban planning has been around for a long time to boost efficient use of space in station near urban areas. TOD advocates urban development that prioritises and maximises residential and office space, together with major sports- and culture destinations within walking distance of public transport. It thereby promotes a symbiotic relationship between dense, compact urban form and public transport use. Sometimes at the expense of open urban space and greenery, it is argued. In doing so, TOD aims to increase public transport ridership and ultimately to promote less car-dependent sustainable urban growth.

In this upcoming webinar discussions will take a starting point in findings from projects funded in the ERA-NET Cofund Urban Accessibility and Connectivity (ENUAC) in the JPI Urban Europe programme.