The 15-minute city | Carlos Moreno

Introduction

This tutorial explores the concept of the "15-minute city," as presented by Carlos Moreno in his TED talk. The goal of this urban design model is to create cities where residents can access all essential services and amenities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This approach aims to reduce long commutes, promote sustainable living, and enhance the overall quality of urban life.

Step 1: Understand the Principles of the 15-Minute City

To effectively implement the 15-minute city model, it's important to understand its foundational principles:

• Accessibility: Ensure all necessary services (schools, healthcare, shops, parks) are within a short distance.
• Diversity: Promote mixed-use neighborhoods where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist.
• Sustainability: Encourage walking, cycling, and public transport to reduce reliance on cars and lower carbon emissions.

Practical Tip

Analyze your current urban area to identify how services are distributed and how far residents typically travel to access them.

Step 2: Identify Key Services for Your Community

Determine which services are critical for residents' daily lives. Commonly required services include:

• Grocery stores
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational institutions
• Parks and recreational areas
• Public transport access

Practical Advice

Engage with community members to gather insights on their needs and preferences regarding local services.

Step 3: Design Mixed-Use Urban Spaces

Create urban designs that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational facilities. This can be achieved by:

• Zoning regulations that support mixed-use developments.
• Incentives for developers to build multi-functional buildings.
• Revitalizing underutilized spaces for community use.

Common Pitfall

Avoid segregating residential and commercial areas, as this can lead to increased travel distances and reliance on cars.

Step 4: Enhance Mobility Options

Promote various modes of transportation to ensure residents can easily navigate the city:

• Develop safe cycling paths and pedestrian walkways.
• Implement efficient public transport systems.
• Encourage car-sharing and bike-sharing programs.

Real-World Application

Cities like Paris have invested in cycling infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly streets to foster an environment conducive to the 15-minute city model.

Step 5: Foster Community Engagement

Involve local communities in the planning and implementation process. This can be done by:

• Hosting workshops and public meetings to discuss urban development plans.
• Encouraging residents to participate in local governance and decision-making.
• Creating platforms for feedback on urban projects.

Practical Tip

Utilize social media and community boards to keep residents informed and engaged with ongoing urban development initiatives.

Conclusion

The 15-minute city model offers a transformative approach to urban living by prioritizing accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement. By understanding its principles, identifying key services, designing mixed-use spaces, enhancing mobility options, and fostering community involvement, cities can evolve to become more livable and environmentally friendly. As a next step, consider how you can advocate for or implement these principles in your community.