Reimagining campus mobility through the lens of the 15-Minute City

The 15-Minute City concept envisions urban environments where residents can access essential services within a short walking or cycling distance. Although education is recognized as one of the core functions within this framework, the specific role of universities in promoting proximity-based urban models remains largely unexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining how universities, as significant generators of mobility, can contribute to the realization of the 15-Minute City principles. Using the Technical University of Kosice (TUKE) as a case study, the paper develops a methodological framework to evaluate multimodal accessibility and the use of active mobility within university environments. The research combines spatial analysis of 15-minute isochrones for walking and cycling with Kernel density estimation (KDE) heatmaps to visualize shared micromobility patterns. This analytical approach proves effective in identifying infrastructural barriers and opportunities for promoting more sustainable university-related commuting. The results reveal that universities are often underutilized actors in urban mobility transitions, exposing both infrastructural deficiencies and behavioral patterns that limit sustainable travel to and within campus areas. The discussion highlights that universities have the potential to enhance sustainability and resilience by implementing policy measures aligned with proximity-based planning – focused on integrating active mobility solutions – either independently or through cross-sector collaboration. By positioning universities as pivotal yet often overlooked institutions in urban transformation, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the 15-Minute City and introduces a novel methodological approach tailored to higher education contexts. It underscores the potential of academic campuses to act as catalysts for sustainable mobility practices and broader urban change.