STREET-15: School-Driven Transformation for Resilient, Engaged and Equitable Youth-Centric 15-Minute Neighbourhoods
STREET-15 repositions school streets—areas with restricted motorized traffic around schools—as catalysts for implementing the 15-minute city model across Europe.
The project addresses current limitations where school street initiatives remain fragmented and lack youth engagement. Through Living Labs (LLs) in London, Naples, and Bergen, STREET-15 will develop innovative governance models, youth-centered participatory methods, comprehensive assessment frameworks, and strategies for institutional integration. By treating these zones as "street transition experiments" rather than isolated safety measures, the project aims to support broader mobility transitions and institutional change.
Outputs will include practical tools and frameworks—from a School Streets Atlas to policy recommendations—empowering municipalities, researchers, and civil society to create healthier, more equitable urban environments. This approach uniquely bridges tactical urbanism with strategic planning while placing children and youth at the center of urban transformation. The project was awarded €1,5 million and will run from January 2026 for 36 months.
STREET-15 works with the University of Westminster (UK), and Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (IT, consortium lead). STREET-15 works closely with local government and authorities including the Municipality of Naples (IT), Westminster City Council (UK), London Borough of Lambeth (UK) and local SMEs Systemica SRL (BE). Our project is supported by 13 international and local NGOs - Associazione Quartieri Spagnoli (IT), walk.brussels (BE), Urban@it (IT), Legambiente (IT), Fondazione Innovazione Urbana (IT), STR.AAT (BE), International Federation of Pedestrians (International), Mums for Lungs (UK), Solve the School run (UK), Fridalen skole (NO), Slettebakken skole FAU (NO, Aps Napoli Pedala (IT), and the Urban95 Academy (UK).
HVL's local partnership with Bergen kommune and ongoing collaboration with 15 local schools provides a strong foundation for testing youth-centric school street interventions. The university contributes essential expertise in GIS-based accessibility analysis, community engagement methodologies, and intergenerational planning approaches, ensuring that STREET-15's participatory tools are both innovative and practically applicable.
The project falls under the EU mission on JPI Urban Europe.
The Project starts 1 January 2026 and end 1 January 2028
