Interviews

Beyond the 15-Minute City: An Interview with Carlos Moreno on Time, Proximity and Future Cities

the author of 15-minute city concept Carlos Moreno
In this interview, Carlos Moreno reflects on how the idea of the 15-minute city has evolved into a broader discussion about time, proximity, resilience, and quality of urban life. He also discusses social fragmentation, urban regeneration, and why future cities must become more human-centred rather than simply more “smart.”
Read MoreBeyond the 15-Minute City: An Interview with Carlos Moreno on Time, Proximity and Future Cities

Energy Storage in the Balkans: An Interview with Alex Blomfield Ahead of Balkan Battery Day

Alex Blomfield
Ahead of Balkan Battery Day 2026, New Polis spoke with Alex Blomfield about the rapid growth of energy storage in Southeast Europe and the challenges facing the region’s evolving battery market. In the interview, he discusses regulation, financing, grid flexibility, and the investment outlook for storage projects across the Balkans.
Read MoreEnergy Storage in the Balkans: An Interview with Alex Blomfield Ahead of Balkan Battery Day

Interview with Predrag Rađen: Rethinking Sustainable Architecture and Energy Efficiency

Predrag Rađen, founder of ArchyEnergy conference about sustainable architecture
Predrag Rađen, founder of ArchyEnergy, discusses the growing role of sustainable architecture and energy efficiency in the Western Balkans. In this interview, he reflects on regional construction trends, industry challenges, and the evolving role of platforms like ArchyEnergy 2026 in shaping more sustainable building practices.
Read MoreInterview with Predrag Rađen: Rethinking Sustainable Architecture and Energy Efficiency

From ESG Talk to Real Transactions: Interview with Biljana Braithwaite Ahead of Adria Future Summit 2026

Biljana Braithwaite, Adria Future Summit
In this interview, Biljana Braithwaite, CEO and Founding Partner of Sustineri Partners, discusses the evolving role of ESG in shaping investment decisions across Southeast Europe. She explains why execution remains the region’s key constraint and how platforms like the Adria Future Summit aim to turn ideas into real transactions.
Read MoreFrom ESG Talk to Real Transactions: Interview with Biljana Braithwaite Ahead of Adria Future Summit 2026

Cycling Advocacy in Europe: How the European Cyclists’ Federation Is Shaping the Future of Urban Mobility

European Cyclists' Federation
In this interview, Henk Swarttouw, President of the European Cyclists’ Federation, shares insights on the future of cycling in Europe and beyond. He discusses the role of cycling in sustainable urban mobility, the challenges of building a pan-European cycling network, and practical steps to accelerate change. The conversation also highlights actionable recommendations for cities with low cycling levels.
Read MoreCycling Advocacy in Europe: How the European Cyclists’ Federation Is Shaping the Future of Urban Mobility

Urban Future 2026 in Ljubljana: Why City Change-Makers Need Action, Not Just Ideas

Urban Future 2026 in Ljubljana
Urban transformation requires more than ambitious strategies, it demands communities of practitioners willing to test ideas, share failures, and act. In this interview, Gerald Babel-Sutter explains how Urban Future 2026 in Ljubljana aims to empower city leaders to turn knowledge into real change.
Read MoreUrban Future 2026 in Ljubljana: Why City Change-Makers Need Action, Not Just Ideas

Smart City Asia 2026: Interview with Nina Nguyen on Vietnam’s Smart City Vision

Nina Nguyen, Project Manager of Smart City Asia

As Vietnam strengthens its position in Southeast Asia’s urban transformation, Smart City Asia 2026 continues to grow as a leading regional platform connecting governments, enterprises, and technology providers. We spoke with Ms. Nina Nguyen, Project Manager of Smart City Asia,…

Read MoreSmart City Asia 2026: Interview with Nina Nguyen on Vietnam’s Smart City Vision

The Era of Now: NVIDA’s Charbel Aoun on Enabling Cities to Build Their Own AI Capability

Charbel Aoun
In this interview, NVIDIA’s Charbel Aoun explains why the future of urban AI depends not on adopting more tools, but on building local capability, data sovereignty, and long-term talent. He shares how cities can move from fragmented pilots to responsible, human-centric AI systems that deliver measurable public value.
Read MoreThe Era of Now: NVIDA’s Charbel Aoun on Enabling Cities to Build Their Own AI Capability

How Noise and Air Pollution Shape Healthier Cities: Interview with Milica Raičković

Milica Raičković
In this interview, Milica Raičković discusses how noise and air pollution affect public health and urban quality of life across Serbia and the Western Balkans. Drawing on insights from a major regional conference, she explains why systematic monitoring, interdisciplinary planning, and data-driven decision-making are essential for healthier cities.
Read MoreHow Noise and Air Pollution Shape Healthier Cities: Interview with Milica Raičković
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