Night Futures
At the intersection of urban and workplace innovation, Night Futures helps public and private organisations address the challenges of night work.
Led by urban economist Alessio Kolioulis, our team is dedicated to reimagining the potential of urban nights, prioritising workers’ rights, community wealth, and sustainable development.
Urban analytics
Using the ADU’s revolutionary tools like the Annual Deprivation Index (ADI), we provide granular analyses of urban dynamics. Our approach includes data scraping and network analysis to create innovative and actionable strategies.
Economic modelling and forecasting
Our economic modelling and forecasting provide insights into the future of night-time economies, helping clients navigate night-time development. By analysing trends, economic indicators and the impacts of urban planning, licensing, and policy decisions, we enable stakeholders to make informed choices that promote night-time growth and economic sustainability.
Spatial and urban design
Our team includes architects and urban designers with experience in making night-time urban spaces safe, accessible, and vibrant. From public squares to nightlife districts, our designs prioritise sustainability, community engagement, and the enhancement of night-time economies.
Pilot projects and social value consulting
We pioneer pilot projects that test innovative solutions to urban night-time challenges. We collaborate with communities, businesses, and governments to design and implement initiatives that demonstrate tangible benefits for workers and residents.
Dark Kitchen Cartography
Read more about our work building a UK-wide map of Deliveroo Editions.
Dark Kitchens 101: what are they and where are they?
Explore our groundbreaking work proposing new municipal commons to combat precarity amongst nocturnal workers, produced in collaboration with the IWGB union, SWARM and the London School of Economics.
Meet the team
Alessio Kolioulis
Programme Lead
Alessio is an economist with extensive expertise in night time economies. He is a Professor at UCL’s Development Planning Unit (DPU) and co-authored Autonomy’s groundbreaking ‘Working Nights’ report. Alessio’s research delves into the complexities of urban night spaces, worker rights, and sustainable development strategies. On weekends, he can be found exploring London’s nightlife or unwinding with Lana, his cat.
Julian Siravo
Autonomy Co-Director
Julian leads Autonomy’s urban research, focusing on issues like ageing populations, future care models, and adaptive workspaces. He co-authored the ‘Working Nights’ report and brings architectural insights to designing services for vulnerable night workers. His free time is spent cooking for his friends and wild camping.
Cosimo Campari
Urban Designer
Cosimo is an Italian architect and urban designer. His PhD from Roma Tre University and the Architectural Association covered topics from manufacturing to logistics and automation’s impact. Cosimo has taught at Yale, RCA, and the AA. Whenever possible, he cultivates his passion for travel with his partner, Corallina.
Sean Greaves
Autonomy Data Unit
Sean has experience as an ML Solutions Engineer in corporate and start-up environments and has worked closely with organisations such as Bellingcat and the Strelka Institute. He is part of Autonomy’s Data Unit and will be exploring the potential of AI for progressive change.
Helen Hester
Feminist Futures Lead
Helen is a Professor of Gender, Technology and Cultural Politics at UWL. Her research interests span technofeminism, sexuality studies, and theories of social reproduction. A member of the Laboria Cuboniks collective, Helen heads Autonomy’s Feminist Futures Program and helps the night team develop emancipatory models for nocturnal settings.
At Autonomy we are at the forefront of pioneering solutions and strategies that enhance the night-time economy and address the unique challenges faced by those active after dark.
Partnership with VibeLab
We have a close collaboration with VibeLab on night time consultancies for cities and local governments. With over a decade of experience, we’ve assisted in developing strategies through economic modelling, forecast, and advanced spatial analysis for public and private clients.
Mastercard: 24-Hour Cities Network
Our innovative approach to night hubs pilots earned us an invitation to participate in the 24-Hour Cities Network, pioneered by Mastercard. Through the City Possible model, we join a network of cities, businesses, academics, and communities aimed at making the world’s cities more digital, inclusive, and sustainable. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to urban innovation and the development of strategies that enhance the digital and inclusive nature of cities worldwide.
Advancing Night-Time Science
We share insights and trends at the forefront of this field. The “Climate Change After Dark” podcast has explored the economic risks and challenges faced by cities in addressing climate impacts, engaging with experts in urban planning, economics, and policy to uncover innovative solutions for night-time adaptation.