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 | Oct 11, 2017
Data, transparency are keys to next steps in green building, says USGBC chief
Monitoring and comparing performance are critical to advancing sustainability goals.
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2017
New guidelines for quality control on application of membrane roof systems released
NRCA document provides guidance for on-site evaluation.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2017
New app calculates maximum allowable heights for building occupancy types, classes of construction
The app streamlines compliance on various types of construction.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2017
California lawmakers pass bill that requires GCs to pay wages of sub employees if subs fail to pay
The measure will go into effect in January if the governor signs it.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2017
Ambitious but realistic increase in clean energy would cut GHG emissions by 80% in the U.S.
NRDC report says goal can be achieved with existing tools.
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2017
Reducing duct leakage is focus on latest green building standards updates
ASHRAE 189.1 broadens testing requirements to include more types of ducts.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2017
Nationwide retrofit strategy in Canada could cut 51% of emissions from large buildings
The roadmap provides government and industry with a targeted plan.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2017
Resources available for new OSHA respirable crystalline silica regulation
NRCA offers compliance tools for contractors.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2017
New tool compares HVAC system efficiency
IAPMO and Hydronics Industry Alliance unveil BEST to evaluate systems in early design phase.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2017
Anti-drone technology can ward off unauthorized drone flights
The technology can be used to prevent terrorist attacks and spying.
