The “15-minute city” where residents live within a short walk or bike ride of all their daily needs has gained favor during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some cities banning or reducing cars in designated areas.
This model, the norm in central areas of European cities that were largely settled before the advent of the automobile, faces difficulty in translation to North America. Cities on this side of the Atlantic were laid out with vehicular traffic in mind, creating widely settled areas with fewer tight-knit neighborhoods.
What’s more, economically disadvantaged areas of cities often lack amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and other necessities. Without a concerted effort and significant investment, these urban areas cannot be easily transformed into the 15-minute city model.
Adding bike lanes and small parks will not reverse segregation that had been embedded into city planning for decades. While the 15-minute city may not be realistic for some North American cities, if these communities can transform from a 45-minute city to a 20-minute city, that would be a worthwhile achievement, some planners say.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2018
How workplace design can position financial services companies for success
HOK report examines forces reshaping industry.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
California is the first state to phase out incandescent light bulbs
In two years, the rest of the U.S. will follow suit.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
Automated tool assists in design of force transfer around openings
Engineered Wood Assn. offers free calculator and technical note.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
First large-scale use of perovskite solar cells in office building slated for Poland this year
Skanska will integrate the technology into building facades.
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2018
Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools to achieve zero energy
Publication is joint effort by ASHRAE, AIA, IES, and USGBC.
Codes and Standards | Jan 26, 2018
Flying drones while inebriated now illegal in New Jersey
Violators could be sentenced to six months in jail.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2018
OSHA penalties for violations increase
Fines adjusted for inflation in the New Year.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2018
Disaster mitigation strategies that exceed code could save billions
Four dollars saved for every dollar spent, says NIBS report.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2018
U.S. construction fatalities rose 6% in 2016
Falls accounted for 39% of deadly accidents.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2018
Record storm surge in Boston prompts renewed calls for flood mitigation infrastructure
Newer buildings constructed in flood zone fared well.
