In the context of urbanization and increasing environmental pressures, the 15-minute city is emerging as a promising urban planning model, promising significant benefits for both the environment and the community.
What is the 15-minute city?
The 15-minute city is an urban planning solution aimed at optimizing urban infrastructure and reducing emissions from personal transportation. In a 15-minute city, people can easily access different needs within 15 minutes of travel by walking, cycling, or public transport. The city infrastructure is designed in a way that combines all the components needed for living and working in local neighborhoods. Such a city promotes green transportation and creates a decentralized urban environment where all basic living functions are contained within local communities.
Principles of the 15-minute city:
- Access to goods and services, especially necessities such as groceries, food, and healthcare is guaranteed for every citizen.
- Different sizes and types of housing are available in every neighborhood to accommodate many types of households and ensure that more people can live closer to their work.
- Green spaces are well designed so that residents of every neighborhood have access to clean air that is free of pollutants.
- More people can work close to home or remotely thanks to the availability of smaller-scale offices, retail and hospitality, and co-working spaces.
For the transition to a 15-minute city to be just and inclusive for all of its citizens, it is essential that city planners consider the well-being of all social groups, especially marginalized groups, and cater to their specific needs.
Benefits of the 15-minute city:
- Emission reduction: By minimizing reliance on personal vehicles and encouraging the use of public and green transportation, the 15-minute city contributes to reducing harmful emissions.
- Improved quality of life: By reducing significant emissions from personal vehicles and promoting walking and biking, this model is expected to contribute to improving community health.
- Time and cost savings: Living in an optimally planned environment saves time and money on daily commutes. Residents can save additional income for other expenses, and small businesses around the neighborhood can easily access customers, suppliers, and partners, thereby developing new business opportunities.
The 15-minute city model is becoming a global urban trend, with cities like Paris, France leading in implementation and development. The momentum from governments and environmental advocacy groups is a crucial driving force for making this model more widespread.
