A Systematic Review of the 15-Minute City Concept

Abstract

Urban transformation and urban preservation are often seen as contradicting goals. Currently, there is no agreed-upon strategy on how to transform historic parts of the city while maintaining their heritage values. Many cities today are characterised by modern 20th-century heritage, yet it poses a challenge to their liveability and to the adoption of less car-dependent lifestyles. The concept of 15-minute cities can be used to improve urban liveability, which may positively affect the experience and functionality of modern historic urban landscapes (HUL). A review of the existing literature on the 15-minute city concept was carried out with the aim of identifying its key indicators and proposing possible new ones. This research primarily explores how the 15-minute city concept can be applied holistically and efficiently in modern heritage. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 20 articles published after the introduction of the concept and meeting the inclusion criteria in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases were reviewed. Selected examples and case studies are analysed to contextualise these variables and explore how they can be reflected in modern historic urban landscapes. As a result, the following variables are identified as central to the 15-minute city concept: mobility, time, distance, speed, functions of the amenities each with their associated indicators. Moreover, spatial characteristics, human-centred factors and heritage values are proposed as variables. The results are expected to give insights into how to operationalise the concept of 15-minute cities in modern sites of historic urban landscapes, in order to improve liveability while simultaneously preserving its values. This research contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting walkable, climate-resilient neighbourhoods. In particular, it aligns with SDG Target 11.4, which focuses on cultural and natural heritage.