Episode Details

In this episode of Realtopia, Naomi speaks with Carlos Moreno, creator of the 15-minute city, about how cities can be redesigned around people, proximity, and everyday life.

From his early work in technology to his shift toward a more human-centered vision of cities, Carlos explains why the future of urban living depends less on infrastructure and more on accessibility, local services, and quality of life. The conversation explores how cities can address climate change, social inequality, and disconnection by rethinking how neighborhoods are organized.

They discuss:

• What the 15-minute city is and the problems it aims to solve
• Why proximity matters more than ownership in how people experience cities
• How cities can reduce car dependency and shift toward “happy proximity”
• The role of public spaces, local services, and walkability in building belonging
• Why zoning, habits, and political will are key barriers to change
• How different populations (kids, families, elderly) have different needs in urban planning
• The growing role of younger generations in reshaping cities and lifestyles

This episode offers a forward-looking perspective on the future of cities—one where time, access, and human connection are at the center of how we design and live in our neighborhoods.