PROWD (PROximity Without Density) is a project funded by the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership (DUT) programme, with support from the European Commission through Horizon Europe and funding from the FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology.

PROWD aims to adapt the "15-minute city" concept to low-density urban areas in metropolitan contexts, exploring how these areas can provide residents with all essential services within a 15-minute radius without requiring costly infrastructure interventions or urban densification. Instead, it promotes sustainable, low-impact alternatives.

The project seeks to rethink how low-density urban areas, such as city outskirts, can offer essential services within a short distance, making neighbourhoods more sustainable and resilient. Through community-driven initiatives, PROWD explores new ways to organise services such as healthcare, education, mobility, and well-being, fostering greater social proximity.

PROWD combines large-scale strategic research with local implementation, focusing on the outskirts of three European urban areas: Rome, Lisbon, and Bucharest. Building on existing community-led initiatives in health, education, mobility, commerce, and well-being, the project explores innovative ways to enhance social proximity and reduce car dependency.

Residents and stakeholders will actively participate in co-creation workshops, developing tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of different social groups, from older adults to young families, while adapting to diverse geographical contexts. This strategic knowledge will be consolidated into “collaborative pacts” between local authorities and stakeholders, fostering more resilient and sustainable neighbourhoods.