Paris and Milan lead the way as cities strive for ’15-minute’ urban planning
Paris and Milan are emerging as global leaders in the push towards the “15-minute city” concept, a new study reveals. This urban planning model, which gained momentum during the Covid pandemic, envisions cities where residents can access all essential services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes.
The study, published in Nature Cities, analyzed data from approximately 10,000 cities worldwide. It found that while many urban areas are inching closer to this ideal, significant disparities exist within cities based on income and location.
Hygor Piaget Monteiro Melo, a co-author of the study, noted that many people already live in what could be considered a 15-minute city. However, the availability of services often varies greatly between affluent central areas and less accessible suburban fringes.
Paris & Milan: Exemplars of the 15-Minute City
Among the cities evaluated, Paris, France and Milan stand out for their progress. Paris, in particular, has been a pioneer since its mayor, Anne Hidalgo, championed the concept in 2020. A considerable portion of Paris already meets the 15-minute city criteria, demonstrating how urban planning can transform a city’s accessibility.
Milan and other smaller yet densely populated European cities also scored well in the study. The historical design of these cities, which predate the automobile era, inherently supports the 15-minute city model.
Challenges for Larger & More Recent Cities
The study highlighted that cities designed with car dependency in mind, particularly in the United States, face greater challenges. Atlanta and Los Angeles, for example, are significantly behind in achieving the 15-minute city goals due to their sprawling layouts.
However, even within sprawling metropolises like New York and San Francisco, certain neighborhoods meet the 15-minute city criteria, showcasing that urban planning improvements can make a substantial impact.
Beyond the Utopian Vision
While the 15-minute city is often idealized as a utopia, the researchers stress that it is a practical and achievable goal rather than a perfect model. The concept does not imply restricting movement but rather improving local access to essential services.
This distinction is crucial, as the 15-minute city has been misconstrued by some as a tool for restricting personal freedom. Misunderstandings and misinformation have fueled conspiracy theories, particularly in response to low-traffic zones and other traffic-related measures in cities like London.
Looking Ahead
The researchers emphasize that the 15-minute city is part of a broader urban planning strategy that includes addressing inequality, enhancing public transport, and reducing traffic congestion. The concept is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a component of a more comprehensive approach to creating livable and equitable urban environments.
Carlos Moreno, a prominent advocate for the 15-minute city, welcomed the study, noting its role in sparking global interest and dialogue. As cities worldwide continue to adapt and innovate, the 15-minute city concept remains a valuable framework for fostering more accessible and vibrant urban spaces.
