15-Minute Cities (Sustainable Mobility and Urban Livability) by Karima Kourtit, Peter Nijkamp, Louafi Bouzouina

This book examines how proximity-based planning, sustainable mobility, and equitable land use can support more resilient and livable cities. Bringing together international research and case studies, the book offers both conceptual foundations and practical insights into implementing the 15-minute city model.

Structured into five sections, the book opens with the core principles of the 15-minute city, focusing on accessibility, sustainability, and the challenges of measuring proximity. The second section explores policy frameworks, public acceptance, and the role of transport planning, illustrated by examples from Italy and Mexico.

The third section highlights social and spatial equity, showing how inclusive planning can meet the needs of diverse populations—including older adults—and improve cycling access for disadvantaged communities, with case studies from Dakar, Milan, and Lyon.

Land use and urban form are the focus of the fourth section. Examples from Krakow and Iași demonstrate how proximity-based planning can align with broader strategies for sustainable urban development. The final section turns to accessibility, using evidence from Spain, Maastricht, and Utrecht to assess pedestrian access to essential services and its implications for well‑being.

Offering a clear and multifaceted perspective on the 15‑minute city, this volume is an essential resource for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers committed to creating more accessible, sustainable, and resilient cities worldwide.