99% Invisible
The 15 Minute City
Dec 3, 2024
Fergus O'Sullivan, a Bloomberg CityLab reporter focused on urban planning, discusses the intriguing rise of the 15-Minute City concept. He unpacks how a seemingly simple idea to enhance urban living sparked fierce protests and conspiracy theories, particularly in places like Oxford. The conversation covers the historical context and grassroots moves toward more sustainable living, while addressing public misconceptions that fueled opposition. O'Sullivan also highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped urban planning in cities like Paris and the ongoing challenges for this innovative approach.
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Quick takeaways
- The 15-minute city aims to facilitate access to essential services within a short distance, promoting healthier and sustainable living.
- Despite its positive intentions, the idea faces backlash fueled by conspiracy theories and socio-political fears, demonstrating challenges in urban planning.
Deep dives
The Concept of the 15-Minute City
The 15-minute city is an urban planning idea that advocates for designing cities so that all essential services and amenities are reachable within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from residents' homes. This concept aims to integrate different city functions—residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational—within close proximity, promoting healthier and more sustainable living. Initially proposed by Professor Carlos Moreno, the 15-minute city has drawn inspiration from historical urban layouts where people could easily access their daily needs. Although it is generally viewed positively, its simplistic nature has led to misunderstandings and mischaracterizations.
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