In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, cities worldwide have been forced to confront long-standing structural issues, from unequal access to essential services to inadequate infrastructure for local communities. Amidst this chaos, a concept once considered utopian has gained significant traction in urban planning circles: the “15-minute city.” This model envisions a future where all daily needs—from grocery shopping to healthcare—can be met within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. The idea, once a niche topic, has now become a central focus in academic research, as evidenced by a recent study published in ‘Arhitektura i Urbanizam’, which translates to “Architecture and Urbanism”.
The study, led by Milena Vukmirović from the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Forestry, Department of Landscape Architecture Planning and Design, Serbia, delves into the academic rise of the 15-minute city concept. By analyzing data from the Scopus database, Vukmirović and her team uncovered a marked increase in academic interest in the 15-minute city concept post-2020, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic. This surge in interest highlights the concept’s potential as a solution to the challenges exacerbated by COVID-19.
The research reveals that the 15-minute city concept is not just a passing trend but a robust, interdisciplinary approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental dimensions. “The 15-minute city is more than just a planning concept; it’s a holistic approach to creating resilient and accessible urban environments,” Vukmirović stated. This approach could significantly impact the energy sector, as more localized communities could reduce reliance on cars, leading to decreased energy consumption and lower emissions.
The study also highlights the concept’s application in cities worldwide, where the pandemic has catalyzed the adoption of more sustainable urban models. “We’ve seen cities like Paris and Melbourne actively pursuing the 15-minute city model, and the results are promising,” Vukmirović noted. This shift towards sustainable urban development could open new avenues for the energy sector, with a greater focus on decentralized, renewable energy sources to power these compact, walkable communities.
As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic, the 15-minute city concept offers a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and equitable urban future. The study’s findings, published in ‘Architecture and Urbanism’, underscore the need for continued research and implementation of this model, setting the stage for future developments in urban planning and energy sector innovation. The interdisciplinary nature of the 15-minute city concept ensures that it will remain a central topic in urban planning discussions, shaping the future of our cities and the energy sector.