A "15-minute city" is a concept in urban planning that aims to create cities where everything a resident needs is within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their home. This includes access to food, healthcare, education, work, entertainment, and other services. The idea is to reduce the need for cars and promote walking, cycling, and public transportation, which can lead to lower carbon emissions and a healthier and more sustainable city.
In this blog post, we will explore the concept of "15-minute cities" in more detail, looking at the benefits they offer and how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Check out World Economic Forums video on 15-minute Cities
Benefits of "15-minute Cities"
Reduced carbon footprint
In a 15-minute city, residents are able to access everything they need within a short walking or biking distance. This means fewer car trips and a reduced carbon footprint. With less reliance on cars, there is a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, which helps to mitigate climate change. By adopting the 15-minute city model, cities can work towards a more sustainable future.
Increased physical activity
The concept of a "15-minute city" promotes active and sustainable lifestyles by making it possible for residents to walk or bike to their daily destinations. This means that people are less reliant on cars and public transportation, leading to increased physical activity and improved health outcomes. Additionally, walking or biking can be an enjoyable way to explore the city and connect with one's community. With more people opting for active transportation, the air quality in the city can also improve, further contributing to a healthier environment.
Improved access to amenities
In a 15-minute city, people can easily access their daily necessities within a short distance, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, schools, and healthcare facilities. This proximity reduces the need for cars or long commutes, which in turn reduces the carbon footprint of transportation. Additionally, it promotes a healthier lifestyle as people can walk or bike to their destinations, thereby increasing physical activity levels. This benefit not only contributes to individual health but also the overall sustainability of the city. Moreover, it fosters community engagement and social interaction, as people are more likely to frequent local shops and restaurants, creating a vibrant local economy.
Enhanced community cohesion
In a 15-minute city, residents have more opportunities to interact with one another and build relationships. When people are able to walk or bike to local shops, parks, and other community spaces, they are more likely to run into neighbors and strike up conversations. This increased social interaction can lead to a stronger sense of community and a greater likelihood of collaborating on initiatives to improve the neighborhood.
In addition, community events and activities can be more easily organized in a 15-minute city because residents are in closer proximity to one another. This can lead to a more vibrant and engaged community that is invested in the well-being of its members and the environment.
Examples of "15-minute Cities"
In this section, we will look at some examples of cities that have implemented the "15-minute city" concept and the impact it has had on their communities.
Paris, France
Paris, the City of Light, is at the forefront of the 15-minute city movement. The Paris mayor, Anne Hidalgo, has made phasing out vehicles and creating a “15-minute city” a key pillar of her offering at the launch of her re-election campaign. The aim is to offer Parisians what they need on or near their doorstep to ensure an “ecological transformation” of the capital into a collection of neighbourhoods. In addition, the city is turning famous hotspots such as the Champs-Elysées into green corridors, cars are making way for cyclists and pedestrians, and urban farms are popping up all over the city. The 15-minute city concept is about creating neighbourhoods where every essential resident's needs are easily within reach in 15 minutes by bike or walking, including locally grown food. Parisians already have a decent range of shops and markets in their neighbourhoods, and the city is making it even easier to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, the second-most populous city in Australia, is also embracing the "15-minute city" concept. In July 2020, the city unveiled its 20-minute neighbourhood plan, which aims to create self-sufficient and sustainable neighborhoods where residents can access all their daily needs within a 20-minute walk, bike ride, or public transit trip. The plan includes 10 key neighborhoods across the city, each with a different focus and set of resources. These neighborhoods are designed to have a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces, including parks, schools, libraries, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities. The goal of the plan is to reduce the city's carbon footprint, improve access to amenities, and promote physical activity while enhancing community life. The 20-minute neighborhood plan is a step towards a more sustainable and resilient Melbourne, and other cities around the world are taking notice and following suit.
Flexibility is key in implementing the 15-minute city concept, as not every city will be able to achieve a precise 15-minute radius. However, the general idea is to make amenities and services more accessible to residents within a reasonable distance, whether that's 10, 15, or 20 minutes. By creating more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, cities can reduce reliance on cars, lower carbon emissions, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. The 15-minute city concept is gaining traction worldwide, with many cities exploring ways to implement it in their own unique contexts.
Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland, Oregon, is another city that is making efforts to become a 15-minute city. The city has been working towards this goal for several years, with a focus on creating more walkable neighborhoods and expanding public transportation options. Portland has a well-connected network of bike lanes and public transportation, including light rail, buses, and streetcars, which helps to reduce the city's carbon footprint.
One of the key initiatives in Portland's efforts to become a 15-minute city is the "20-Minute Neighborhood Strategy." This strategy focuses on creating neighborhoods where residents can easily access their daily needs within a 20-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. The city has also implemented zoning policies that encourage the development of mixed-use buildings, which combine residential and commercial spaces in the same building.
Portland's commitment to becoming a 15-minute city has not only benefited the environment but has also led to improved health outcomes for residents. The city has seen an increase in physical activity, as more people choose to walk or bike to their destinations. Additionally, the emphasis on walkable neighborhoods and public transportation has helped to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
While Portland may not be a 15-minute city in the strictest sense, the city's efforts to create more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods and expand public transportation options demonstrate a commitment to sustainable and livable communities.
Other cities around the world
There are many other cities around the world that have embraced the concept of the 15-minute city. Barcelona, Spain has implemented a plan called “Superblocks,” where nine-block areas are closed to through traffic, creating safer and more pedestrian-friendly streets. In Stockholm, Sweden, a project called “The Million Homes Programme” aims to create self-sufficient neighborhoods with access to services and amenities within walking distance.
Other cities such as Amsterdam, Netherlands, Bogotá, Colombia, and Montreal, Canada have also implemented measures to increase walkability, bike-friendliness, and access to services within local neighborhoods. While not every city may be able to achieve a full 15-minute city, these examples demonstrate that the concept of prioritizing sustainable and livable communities is gaining traction around the world.
How to Create a "15-minute City"
In this section, we'll explore how cities can create "15-minute cities" by collaborating with community stakeholders and implementing key strategies. We'll also discuss the challenges and opportunities of creating more sustainable and livable urban environments.
Collaborating with community stakeholders
Creating a "15-minute city" requires a collaborative effort with community stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government officials. It is essential to understand the unique needs and challenges of each neighborhood and involve community members in the planning process. Local input can help to identify key amenities and services that need to be accessible within a 15-minute radius. Collaboration with community stakeholders can also help to address potential obstacles, such as infrastructure or funding limitations. Ultimately, the success of a "15-minute city" hinges on the active participation and engagement of the local community.
Planning for mixed-use development
Planning for mixed-use development is another critical aspect of creating a 15-minute city. This means designing neighborhoods that include a mix of residential, commercial, and civic spaces. By having a variety of land uses within close proximity, people can access essential goods, services, and amenities quickly and easily. Mixed-use developments also promote a vibrant and lively urban environment, where people can live, work, and play without the need for excessive commuting or driving. Moreover, mixed-use developments can help support small businesses, create jobs, and improve the local economy. Effective planning for mixed-use development requires collaboration between urban planners, developers, community stakeholders, and government officials. It involves balancing competing demands and interests to create a cohesive and sustainable urban environment that benefits everyone.
Investing in active transportation infrastructure
Investing in active transportation infrastructure is a crucial step towards creating a "15-minute city." Active transportation modes such as walking, cycling, and public transit play a critical role in reducing reliance on private cars and promoting sustainable and healthy mobility options. To create a 15-minute city, cities must invest in infrastructure that supports these modes of transportation, including bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly streets, and accessible and efficient public transit systems.
Portland, Oregon, is an example of a city that has made significant investments in active transportation infrastructure. The city has a vast network of bike lanes, and over 20% of commuters bike to work. Additionally, Portland's public transit system is highly accessible, with a light rail system, buses, and streetcars. By investing in active transportation infrastructure, cities can reduce carbon emissions, promote healthy lifestyles, and create more livable and vibrant communities.
Fostering a sense of community
Fostering a sense of community is essential to creating a successful 15-minute city. One of the key principles of the 15-minute city is to build neighbourhoods that are self-sufficient, where residents can access the goods and services they need within a short distance from their homes. However, this concept also needs to include social infrastructure, such as community centres, parks, and public spaces, where people can come together and interact.
Investing in community infrastructure can help build social connections and increase community cohesion. This can lead to a sense of belonging and pride in the community, which can motivate residents to take ownership of their neighbourhoods and participate in local initiatives. Community events, such as neighbourhood festivals or block parties, can also help foster a sense of community and encourage residents to get to know one another.
Additionally, incorporating public art and green spaces can enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighbourhoods and create a more pleasant and inviting environment. This can encourage people to spend more time outside, interact with their surroundings, and feel a greater sense of attachment to their community.
Ultimately, fostering a sense of community is crucial to creating a successful 15-minute city. By investing in social infrastructure and promoting social connections, cities can create vibrant and thriving neighbourhoods that meet the needs of their residents.
Challenges to Creating "15-minute Cities"
While the concept of "15-minute cities" holds great potential for creating more sustainable and livable urban environments, there are also significant challenges that must be addressed. In this section, we will explore some of the key obstacles to creating 15-minute cities and what can be done to overcome them.
Overcoming existing zoning and land use regulations
One of the main challenges in creating "15-minute cities" is overcoming existing zoning and land use regulations. Many cities have been developed around the idea of separating residential, commercial, and industrial areas, which can make it difficult to create mixed-use neighborhoods where residents can easily access essential services and amenities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.
To overcome these challenges, city planners and policymakers may need to rethink existing zoning and land use regulations, and work to promote more mixed-use development that encourages active transportation and community connectivity. This may involve changes to local building codes, land use regulations, and development incentives to encourage the creation of walkable, bike-friendly, and transit-oriented communities that prioritize the needs of residents over those of cars and other motorized vehicles.
Funding and financing
One of the biggest challenges to creating 15-minute cities is funding and financing. Implementing the necessary infrastructure and amenities for a 15-minute city requires significant investment, which can be difficult to secure. Municipal budgets may not have enough funding to support such large-scale projects, and private investment may be hesitant without a clear return on investment. Additionally, many cities already face budget constraints and competing priorities, making it challenging to allocate funds towards creating 15-minute cities.
Financing models such as public-private partnerships, impact investments, and green bonds have emerged as potential solutions. Public-private partnerships involve collaboration between public entities and private investors to finance and operate infrastructure projects. Impact investments, which seek both social and financial returns, have become increasingly popular for funding sustainable urban development. Green bonds are another financing option, where investors fund projects that have positive environmental or climate benefits.
While funding and financing present significant challenges, creative approaches to financing, and collaboration between public and private sectors can help overcome these challenges and support the development of 15-minute cities.
Resistance to change from established interests
While the idea of creating 15-minute cities is gaining popularity, it also faces resistance from established interests. For example, developers and real estate agents who may prefer to continue building and promoting car-dependent suburban communities as they have been doing for decades.
In addition, there may be resistance from existing business owners who fear that changes in transportation infrastructure or zoning regulations may negatively impact their businesses. These stakeholders must be included in the planning process to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed in the development of 15-minute cities.
Another challenge is the potential for community pushback against increased density and changes to neighborhood character. Some may be resistant to new development or changes to existing buildings, preferring to maintain the status quo. It's important to have open communication channels and engage with residents early in the planning process to build support and address concerns.
Overall, these challenges to creating 15-minute cities must be navigated to ensure the success and sustainability of these communities. It requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, business owners, and residents, to create a shared vision and work towards a common goal.
Conclusion: Shaping Livable and Sustainable Cities through the "15-minute City" Concept
As the world's population continues to grow, urbanization is becoming an increasingly pressing issue. To make cities more livable and sustainable, many urban planners and policymakers are embracing the "15-minute city" concept. By creating neighborhoods where all essential services and amenities are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, cities can reduce reliance on cars and improve community cohesion. However, there are challenges to implementing this vision, including overcoming existing zoning regulations, securing funding, and addressing resistance to change. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of creating more walkable and bikeable cities through the "15-minute city" concept are significant. With careful planning and collaboration with community stakeholders, cities can shape a more livable and sustainable future for all.
"15-minute cities" offer numerous benefits to both individuals and society as a whole. Recapitulating these benefits, one of the most significant advantages is that these cities can promote sustainable development by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing traffic congestion, and enhancing urban resilience. Additionally, 15-minute cities can foster stronger community connections and social cohesion by promoting walkability and active transportation. They can also improve public health by encouraging physical activity and reducing air pollution. Moreover, these cities can enhance economic productivity by creating more opportunities for small businesses and reducing time spent on commuting. Overall, 15-minute cities can provide a healthier, more sustainable, and more connected way of living for individuals and communities.
As we've seen throughout this article, "15-minute cities" have numerous benefits for both individuals and communities, including improved health and well-being, reduced carbon emissions, and increased social cohesion. While there are challenges to creating these types of cities, it's important to keep in mind that progress is possible through collaboration with community stakeholders, mixed-use development, investment in active transportation infrastructure, and fostering a sense of community.
Creating more sustainable cities isn't just a nice-to-have goal - it's essential for the future of our planet and the well-being of our communities. By working towards the goal of "15-minute cities", we can take concrete steps towards a more sustainable future. Whether you're a city planner, community organizer, or concerned citizen, there are ways to get involved and make a difference. Let's all work together towards a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
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