They pressed the button for 15-minute cities

Europe’s giant metropolises are investing in the 15-Minute Cities model to radically solve the traffic problem.

This concept was first put forward by the famous urban planner Carlos Moreno in 2016; It aims for a city dweller to be able to reach all their basic needs such as shelter, work, food, health, education, culture and entertainment by walking or cycling within 15 minutes after leaving their home.

Aim; To end automobile addiction, reduce carbon emissions and give back to people the time lost on the roads.

5 features of 15-minute cities

Supermarkets, schools, family health centers, green parks, sports fields and even workplaces are at the heart of your neighborhood.

Streets belong to people, not cars. Thanks to widened sidewalks, tree-lined walkways and isolated special bicycle paths, transportation is designed to encourage a both safe and healthy lifestyle.

In this model, buildings and areas are used more efficiently vertically or horizontally. A balanced population density ensures the survival of tradesmen, increases social interaction and creates a strong neighborhood culture.

For long distances between neighborhoods, low-carbon electric trams, subways and bus lines are connected to each other like a spider web. Transportation is fast, punctual and comfortable.

Green roofs, renewable energy integration, carbon sinks (microforests) and minimum use of plastic are the constitution of these cities. The goal is to create a completely carbon neutral living space.

Spain leads in Europe

This model is not a utopia, it is actively implemented now. While Paris, the capital of France, pioneers this trend, Spain is one of the countries that implement the model most aggressively.

Barcelona (with its famous Superillas / Super Blocks model), Bilbao, Pamplona and Santander are among the cities that have successfully integrated this concept into their streets.

In 1.68% of municipalities across Spain (136 municipalities) the entire population already lives within 15 minutes of all vital centres. This transformation continues to spread from neighborhood to neighborhood in 7.05% of the municipalities (572 municipalities).