The concept of a walkable neighborhood has taken America by storm post-pandemic. Are we moving away from car-centric suburbia?
15-minute cities are models of urban development creating self-sufficient and sustainable communities where residents can meet their daily needs within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This phrase was introduced by Franco-Colombian city planner, Carlos Moreno, at the COP21 in 2015 as a solution to congestion and misused spaces.[1]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, this concept surged in popularity as people were forced to experience the benefits of walkable streets and nearby amenities. With more people given the freedom to work from home, a greater emphasis was put on creating a healthy working culture where flexibility is an option. By allowing employees to work closer to their communities, there becomes a need for urban planning to reflect that. Containing everything a resident needs, like a workplace, the 15-minute city is a key solution to the demands driven post-pandemic.
Historical Context
The United States’ individualistic views have fallen heavily on its citizens, demonstrated through the infrastructure and suburbia imposed onto its citizens. To accommodate for individual car use, roads have become wider with far less space left over for people to walk. Widespread car usage permanently alters the infrastructure of all cities in the United States. At a surface level, cities look completely different than they did in the 1950s. Prior to the 1950s when the use of cars boomed, more people were on the road and walking since they shared these streets with trams or horse-drawn vehicles.[2]
The balance for the three “E’s” (environment, equity, and economy) is difficult for the United States to maintain due to a heavy focus on economic policy and disparity in relating political views. Cities are currently overwhelmed with infrastructure that conforms to the excess of cars rather than the people inhabiting them). Large-scale investors are building entire villages on the outskirts of America’s second-tier cities, giving renters who are unable or unwilling to make a down payment another route to the American ideal.[3] There are regulations that prohibit the construction of multi-family living on private property, such as duplexes, apartment buildings, or townhomes. This is how about 75% of residential property in the US is zoned. The development of a market for cheap homes is hampered by these zoning regulations. Low-income families find single-family homes to be prohibitively expensive, disproportionately affecting the Black and Latinx populations.[4]
As opposed to the initial purpose of cars, they are working to drive people apart from one another, rather than connect. With suburban sprawl as the norm, it has become common to drive 15 minutes to a supermarket or school, a commute that would take you at least an hour in these neighborhoods. Accommodating to this division has had a lasting mark on individuals, furthering an individualistic mindset and lack of community building.
Walkable cities have not come without their lack of scrutiny, though, as conspiracists believe that this model is devised under an authoritarian plot. It is believed that by remaining stationary in one area and not expanding one’s circle outward, it is easier for the government to monitor residents’ actions and habits. Of course, while this is far from true it is still important to keep this in mind while discussing public perception on such a small city.
The Pandemic’s Influence
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented changes in how we live, work, and interact with our environments. As lockdowns and social distancing measures became the norm, people began to re-evaluate their relationship with their surroundings. This period of reflection led to an increased interest in the 15-minute city concept. Here’s how the pandemic influenced this shift:
Changes in Lifestyle and Work Habits
Before the pandemic, the daily grind for many involved long commutes to and from work, often in congested traffic or crowded public transportation. The sudden shift to remote work for many white-collar employees eliminated the daily commute, highlighting the potential for more flexible working arrangements.[5] This shift also allowed people to spend more time in their local neighborhoods, uncovering the value of having essential services close to home.
The increased time spent in residential areas brought to light both the strengths and weaknesses of local infrastructure. People began to appreciate the convenience of nearby parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities, while also noticing the lack of certain amenities that required longer trips. This newfound awareness created a demand for more inclusive local services.
Increased Desire for Local Amenities
With travel restrictions in place and a heightened awareness of health risks, people became more inclined to seek out amenities within their immediate vicinity. The convenience of having everything from fresh produce to pharmacies within walking distance became a priority. Neighborhoods that already offered a variety of local services experienced a surge in popularity, demonstrating the practical benefits of the 15-minute city model.
This trend was also reflected in the real estate market, where properties in walkable neighborhoods saw an increased demand. Prospective homeowners and renters began prioritizing locations that offered a range of amenities within a short distance, further driving the shift away from car-dependent suburbia.[6]
Reduced Commute Times and Environmental Impact
One of the most significant changes during the pandemic was the drastic reduction in commute times. The shift to remote work reduced the need for daily travel, leading to lower traffic congestion and decreased pollution levels in many urban areas.[7] This environmental benefit highlighted the potential for more sustainable urban living arrangements, where reliance on cars could be minimized.
The reduction in traffic not only improved air quality but also made streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.[8] Cities around the world responded by implementing temporary measures such as pop-up bike lanes and pedestrian zones, which proved popular with residents. These temporary changes served as real-world experiments for more permanent infrastructure improvements that value serving the people of the neighborhood rather than the cars or highways.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for rethinking urban living and highlighted the practical benefits of the 15-minute city model. As people spent more time in their local neighborhoods, the value of having essential services within easy reach became increasingly apparent. This shift in perspective has the potential to drive lasting changes in urban planning, paving the way for more sustainable, healthy, and resilient communities.
Principles of a 15-Minute City
The core principles of a 15-minute city lie within the ideas of proximity, diversity, density, and equity.
Proximity
A key to the 15-minute city concept is the idea that residents should be able to reach essential services—such as schools, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, parks, and workplaces—within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This proximity reduces dependence on cars and promotes more active modes of transportation.
Encouraging residents to live locally fosters a sense of community and reduces the need for long commutes. This shift not only benefits individuals by saving time but also decreases traffic congestion and environmental pollution.
Diversity
The 15-minute city thrives on diverse land use. Mixed-use developments combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, ensuring that a variety of services and amenities are available in close proximity. This diversity supports local economies and enhances the vibrancy of neighborhoods.
Ensuring that amenities cater to all demographic groups is crucial. This means providing facilities and services that meet the needs of children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, as well as offering a range of housing options to accommodate different income levels.
Density
While high-density areas can support a wide range of services and amenities, the 15-minute city advocates for a balance. Optimal density means enough population density to sustain local businesses and public transportation, but not so much that it leads to overcrowding or a loss of green spaces.
Efficient land use is key to maintaining this balance. This includes smart zoning laws that promote compact, multi-functional developments while preserving parks and open spaces for recreation and socializing.
Equity
A true 15-minute city ensures that all neighborhoods, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to the same quality and range of services and amenities. This equitable distribution helps to prevent the concentration of resources in affluent areas while neglecting lower-income communities.
To support ubiquity, integrated infrastructure is essential. This includes well-maintained sidewalks and bike lanes, reliable public transportation networks, and digital connectivity. Such infrastructure supports mobility and access to services for all residents.
Benefits of the 15-Minute City Principles
Improved Quality of Life: By providing easy access to essential services, the 15-minute city reduces stress and improves overall well-being. Residents enjoy shorter commutes, more leisure time, and a stronger sense of community.
Environmental Sustainability: Reduced reliance on cars leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. The promotion of walking and biking contributes to a healthier environment and helps combat climate change.
Economic Resilience: Local businesses benefit from the steady foot traffic generated by nearby residents. This local focus can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and make communities more resilient to economic downturns.
Social Cohesion: The design of 15-minute cities fosters social interactions, enhancing community bonds. Public spaces, parks, and community centers become hubs for socializing, cultural activities, and civic engagement.
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