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The Concept of the 15-Minute City

The 15-minute city is an urban planning concept that advocates for creating neighborhoods where residents can access most of their daily necessities within a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride. This includes workplaces, shops, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas. The idea was popularized by Professor Carlos Moreno at the Sorbonne University in Paris and has gained significant traction in recent years as cities worldwide seek to become more sustainable and livable. The core objective is to move away from a car-centric model and towards a more human-scaled urban environment.

Implementing the 15-minute city model involves several key strategies. One is promoting mixed-use zoning, which allows for a combination of residential, commercial, and public spaces within the same area, reducing the need for long commutes. Another is enhancing "soft" mobility by creating safe and accessible infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, such as dedicated bike lanes and wider sidewalks. This approach not only reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions but also fosters a stronger sense of community, as people spend more time in their local area and interact more with their neighbors.

While the concept has been widely praised, it also faces challenges. Critics argue that it could be difficult to implement in sprawling, low-density cities that were designed around the automobile. There are also concerns about equity, as the amenities and improvements might concentrate in wealthier neighborhoods, potentially increasing property values and displacing lower-income residents. Successfully creating 15-minute cities requires careful planning and significant investment to ensure that the benefits of proximity and accessibility are shared by all members of the community.