Designing proximity futures: Mobility pathways to the X-minute metropolis in Madrid

Metropolitan areas are growing, creating complex challenges for sustainability and liveability. Planning concepts such as the X-minute city propose a framework for rethinking proximity, accessibility, and sustainability. However, research has largely focused on dense central cities or has suggested planning recommendations for future developments. Thus, its application in existing car-dependent suburban contexts remains underexplored. This study investigates how proximity can be advanced in such settings, understanding sustainable mobility as a crucial lever for its deployment.A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify relevant factors for the suburban adaptation of the X-minute city. This was followed by five focus groups in Las Rozas, an archetypal suburban area in the Madrid Metropolitan Area, involving local transport and planning professionals, academics, business owners, and residents. The focus groups’ findings were analysed thematically and synthesised using a SWOT framework, allowing empirical insights to be interpreted in light of the identified factors, while acknowledging that these may manifest differently in suburban practice. This novel approach combines findings from the limited existing research with real-life insights by relevant local stakeholders.Findings reveal limited strengths, particularly in active mobility and public transport, alongside widespread weaknesses such as poor pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, spatial fragmentation, and gaps in local transport coverage. Opportunities include digitalisation, app-based mobility, and shifts in travel behaviour, while threats relate to governance and individuals travel preferences. Based on these findings, strategic action lines are proposed to transform weaknesses, maximise strengths and opportunities, and minimise threats, offering mobility pathways to support more proximity-oriented suburban living.