Reimagining walkable cities: exploring the experience of mothers of premature babies

Gullino, Silvia (2026) Reimagining walkable cities: exploring the experience of mothers of premature babies. Town Planning Review. pp. 1-21. ISSN 0041-0020

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Abstract

This article highlights an overlooked social group in urban planning: first-time mothers of premature babies requiring neonatal care. It explores how to reimagine urban spaces for a sustainable and inclusive city. Set in inner London, the article delves into the challenges these mothers face while caring for their newborns, who often rely on medical aids. These mothers face practical challenges when navigating the city, including being vulnerable to infections and managing oxygen tanks and nonfolding prams, which can lead to complications that make urban travel difficult. Based on an interdisciplinary research project with neonatologists, the article explores the emotional and sensory experiences of mothers navigating the city. Using diary entries and walking interviews, it calls for integrating emotional responses into urban planning to create more inclusive and sustainable cities.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.3828/tpr.2025.50
Dates:	Date Event 27 October 2025 Accepted 9 March 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	motherhood, preterm babies, sensory experience, mobility, sustainable cities
Subjects:	CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-04 - planning (urban, rural and regional)
Divisions:	Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering > Architecture and Built Environment > Built Environment
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	15 Apr 2026 10:31
Last Modified:	15 Apr 2026 10:31
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16972

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