‘The 15-Minute City A Solution to Saving Our Time and Our Planet’ by Carlos Moreno (Wiley) – soon to be extensively underlined, highlighted and of course referenced in my upcoming research!
I first heard about the 15-minute city concept in Spring 2020. Many societies across the world were in the early phases of lockdown and the changes to the use of public space, mobility, social interaction, work location and more were radical.
At the time I was living in a city that I observed fit the criteria of a 15-minute city. I was also in the early days of developing Pedestrian Space and busy documenting aspects of ‘best practices and barriers’ of walkability that I was observing in my daily life.
I soon began to also document aspects of the ’15-minute city’ that I experienced in our daily life and also to survey fellow inhabitants.
Observations at Pedestrian Space from over the recent years: https://pedestrianspace.org/category/15-20-minute-city/
I did this on my own free time out of sheer passion for what I felt was the essence of good urban planning and practical urbanism- proximity to amenities and walkability as part of the essential foundation to quality of life in cities.
Little did I know at that time that I would, 5 years later, be in my 3rd year of PhD study in Poland and researching the concept of the 15-minute city in diverse neighborhood contexts in Warsaw.
I have naturally read Moreno’s seminal papers on the topic and of course his book will be critical reading in my bibliography.
The 15-minute city emphasizes proximity to diverse amenities by foot, cycle or public transit. Walking is always my preferred mode but in a larger city it is great to have a flexible, affordable and dynamic public transport system, which I view Warsaw as having.
🚍 I took this photo on the bus en route to my home Institute earlier today for one of my regular, intensive work sessions with my supervisor.
I like what I perceive as the coziness of the bus and appreciate the role it serves as often the sole public transport in many smaller cities and towns.
Efficient, affordable and accessible public transportation is critical for those who cannot and/or do not want to drive and the bus serves as a critical modes of mobility in so many communities worldwide.
🚇 The metro is probably among my favorite modes of public transport but does not serve my immediate neighborhood so I use it less often. My first research paper is due out soon and examines the best practices of walkable underground urbanism in the Warsaw metro.
🚊 🚆 I also really enjoy the tram and know the brilliant connectivity that urban rapid rail can provide (both of which Warsaw have).
🚘 I am a passenger in cars and use ride-hail occasionally for longer distances or time-pressed errands in the city (but never in rush hour) and believe in the potential of ride-hail for a significant reduction of private vehicle ownership.
👣 Of course, anyone who knows me and/or follows my posts knows that most of all, I love a good walkable neighborhood lifestyle.
-Annika
