As urban populations continue to rise, cities face growing challenges related to overpopulation, congestion, pollution, and inefficient transportation systems. The traditional urban model, where people must travel long distances for work, education, and essential services, is proving unsustainable. In response, urban planners and policymakers are embracing the concept of the 15-minute city, a transformative approach that put people at the center of urban transformation prioritizing accessibility, sustainability, and quality of life.
What is the 15-minute city?
The 15-minute city is an urban planning concept that ensures residents can access all their daily needs—workplaces, schools, healthcare, shops, and recreational spaces—within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes.
Developed by urban planner Carlos Moreno, this model promotes localized living, reducing reliance on private vehicles and fostering stronger, more vibrant communities.
At its core, the 15-minute city is designed to decentralize urban services, ensuring that each neighborhood functions as a self-sufficient hub. Instead of forcing residents to commute long distances for basic necessities, the model encourages compact, mixed-use development, where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist harmoniously.
The key benefits of the 15-minute city
1. Reduced traffic and emissions
By minimizing the need for long commutes, the 15-minute city significantly reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions. With fewer people relying on cars, urban air quality improves, contributing to a healthier environment.
2. Enhanced quality of life
Shorter commutes mean more free time for personal well-being, social interactions, and leisure activities. Residents of 15-minute cities experience lower stress levels and better mental and physical health, as walking and cycling become the default modes of transport.
3. Economic growth and local businesses
When people shop and dine locally, small businesses thrive. The 15-minute city supports local economies by keeping spending within neighborhoods, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating job opportunities close to home.
4. Social equity and inclusion
This model ensures that essential services are accessible to all residents, regardless of income or background. By prioritizing walkability and public transit, the 15-minute city reduces transportation costs and creates more equitable urban environments.
5. Resilient and sustainable urban design
Compact, mixed-use neighborhoods make cities more adaptable to economic and environmental changes. A 15-minute city is inherently more energy-efficient, requiring fewer resources for transportation and infrastructure maintenance.
Successful cases of the 15-Minute City
The concept of the 15-minute city has rapidly gained traction as urban planners and policymakers seek to create more sustainable, livable, and resilient communities. While New Polis has previously explored Greek approach to implementing this model, numerous other cities have embarked on transformative projects that exemplify its principles.
Barcelona: Superblocks as a blueprint for walkable neighborhoods.
Barcelona’s ambitious Superblocks initiative is a pioneering example of the 15-minute city in practice. By reclaiming urban spaces from cars and converting them into pedestrian-first environments, the city is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and pollution. The strategy involves grouping several city blocks and restricting vehicle access to peripheral streets, allowing the inner areas to flourish as vibrant public spaces with green corridors, playgrounds, and communal gathering areas. The transformation has not only enhanced air quality but has also revitalized local economies by fostering small businesses and neighborhood engagement. The success of this model has inspired other cities, including Los Angeles and Buenos Aires, to explore similar approaches.
Ottawa: designing 15-minute neighborhoods for everyday accessibility.
Canada’s capital, Ottawa, has integrated the 15-minute city concept into its latest urban planning frameworks. The city is prioritizing mixed-use development, expanding cycling networks, and investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to ensure that residents can access essential services—such as healthcare, grocery stores, schools, and parks—within a short walk or bike ride. Initiatives like the Ottawa Official Plan emphasize sustainable urban growth by promoting transit-oriented development and fostering community-centric neighborhoods.
Paris: a leader in sustainable urbanism.
Paris, under the leadership of Mayor Anne Hidalgo, has emerged as one of the most ambitious adopters of the 15-minute city model. The city has drastically expanded its cycling infrastructure, adding over 1,000 kilometers of bike lanes, and has pedestrianized key streets to encourage walkability. Neighborhood hubs have been reinforced with new cultural spaces, local markets, and green urban areas, reducing the necessity for long commutes. The transformation of the Champs-Élysées into a more pedestrian-friendly space and the introduction of “school streets” that restrict traffic near educational institutions are testament to Paris’ commitment to reimagining urban life through a localized lens.
Melbourne: a 20-minute city model for sustainable growth.
Australia’s Melbourne has adapted the principles of the 15-minute city into its “20-minute neighborhoods” initiative, balancing accessibility with suburban sprawl. This initiative ensures that residents can meet their daily needs within a 20-minute walk or bike ride by integrating transport planning with land use policies. The city’s approach includes enhancing public transport connectivity, developing mixed-use housing, and improving public spaces to promote community interaction. Projects such as the Preston Market redevelopment exemplify how Melbourne is rethinking urban density and local accessibility.
Portland: a commitment to human-centered urban design.
Portland, Oregon, has long been a champion of sustainable urbanism, incorporating key elements of the 15-minute city into its planning. The city’s commitment to transit-oriented development, investment in green infrastructure, and emphasis on neighborhood hubs align with this model. By prioritizing public transportation, walkability, and community-oriented development, Portland has created a livable and resilient urban fabric. Recent projects, such as the Green Loop—a continuous pathway connecting central neighborhoods—exemplify Portland’s dedication to human-centered urban design.
These case studies highlight how cities around the world are adopting and adapting the 15-minute city concept to their unique urban landscapes. By focusing on accessibility, sustainability, and community well-being, these initiatives are setting new standards for the future of urban living.
Implementing the 15-minute city: key strategies
1. Mixed-use development
Cities must design neighborhoods where homes, workplaces, schools, and amenities are within close proximity. Zoning regulations should encourage diverse land use to create vibrant, walkable communities.
2. Investing in active and public transport
Expanding bike lanes, pedestrian paths, and efficient public transit networks is crucial. Cities should prioritize infrastructure that makes walking, cycling, and public transport more convenient than driving.
3. Decentralizing services
Rather than concentrating jobs, education, and healthcare in central districts, cities should distribute essential services across different neighborhoods to reduce travel distances.
4. Enhancing public spaces
Well-designed parks, plazas, and community hubs encourage social interaction and improve urban livability. Green spaces also contribute to climate resilience by reducing heat and improving air quality.
5. Smart mobility integration
Leveraging Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and smart transportation technology can optimize travel efficiency. Digital tools can help residents navigate multimodal transport options, reducing reliance on cars.
The path forward
The 15-minute city represents a paradigm shift in urban planning, emphasizing proximity, accessibility, and sustainability. As cities worldwide grapple with rapid urbanization and climate change, this model offers a roadmap to healthier, more resilient urban environments.
Implementing the 15-minute city requires bold policy decisions, community engagement, and strategic investments in infrastructure. However, as seen in cities like Paris, Melbourne, and Portland, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. By prioritizing local living and reducing car dependency, the 15-minute city can transform urban spaces into thriving, people-centered environments.
For cities looking to embrace sustainable urban development, the 15-minute city is not just an idea—it’s the future.
