What is The 15-minute city?

The concept of the 15-minute city aims to reorganize urban space around the needs of its residents. Developed by French urbanist Carlos Moreno, this approach envisions a place where all the necessities of daily life—such as shops, schools, workplaces, doctor's offices, parks, libraries, and restaurants—are located within a short 15-minute walk or bike ride from home.

In a 15-minute city:
Workers can live near their offices or co-working spaces, eliminating long commutes.
Residents can easily walk to nearby parks without the hassle of searching for parking spaces.
Community building benefits from parceling the city into smaller units, making it more manageable from a social perspective.

Various cities around the world have begun to embrace the 15-minute city approach. For instance:
Melbourne proposes self-contained communities within an 800-meter radius.
Portland aims for vibrant neighborhoods where 90% of residents can walk or bike to fulfill their daily needs.
Paris, where the concept originated, remains a vocal proponent. Mayor Anne Hidalgo champions the "ville du quart d'heure" (city of 15 minutes) and has implemented measures to promote active mobility, including speed limits for cars, car-free days along the Seine, and plans for biking lanes on every street by 2024.

While the 15-minute city meets essential needs, it's essential to ensure that great city centers with world-class experiences remain accessible to all, including disadvantaged communities.