Conference Agenda

The concept of the 15-minute city has been developing in a direction of greater flexibility and applicability to serve a broader variety of urbanization conditions. Peri-urban areas, where many people live and work across Europe, are an important frontier to implement the principles of liveability, accessibility and proximity that support the 15-minute city, as these dynamic areas are deeply embedded in ongoing socio-ecological transitions but may struggle to comply with sustainability goals and provide a high quality of life for their inhabitants. This is usually attributed to the difficulties in applying spatial development models designed for dense core cities to territories characterized by low density, spatial and demographic fragmentation, loose connections to mobility networks, and interdependence with vast natural and rural areas.

In this research, we argue that tackling these challenges requires a deeper engagement with peri-urban territories, their spaces, institutions and communities. Indeed, since the efforts to implement 15-minute city principles are substantially larger and the likelihood of quick rewards for policymakers is substantially smaller, peri-urban areas fly below the radar of policy and planning priorities. They are reduced to ‘peripheries’ as a generic urban type, with little attention paid to different spatial structures, functions, networks, socioeconomic conditions, cultural preferences and governance resources.

In response, we develop a typology of European peri-urban areas, differentiated according to their present conditions and future potentials regarding the alignment with 15-minute city principles of liveability, proximity and accessibility. Based on peri-urban areas in four European countries whose features are sufficiently representative, complementary and diverse, we conduct a cluster analysis based on spatial and demographic indicators that are relevant for the potential urban transitions along 15-minute city ideas. These areas vary spatially, functionally, culturally and institutionally, allowing transferable lessons to be learned across peri-urban Europe. A series of emerging peri-urban types are mapped and further characterized with additional governance analysis and data collected in focus groups, providing institutional and social insights that ground the understanding of the different types. The result is a typological catalogue informing further studies and policies about the conditions, potentials and development needs towards 15-minute city principles different peri-urban areas.

Ensuring equitable access to daily services within a 15-minute active travel window is a fundamental ambition of the “15-minute city” concept, which aims to contribute to the quality of life of all residents regardless of their ability and residential location. Although the concept is often linked to large urban areas, a growing number of practices by regional and provincial authorities indicate that the idea of 15-minute accessibility is becoming relevant in suburban and rural contexts despite the challenges involved. However, most research on disparities in 15-minute accessibility to essential services focuses on densely populated urban centers and accessibility by walking and biking, often neglecting areas with a mix of rural and urban characteristics and the importance of public transport in such settings. This paper investigates and compares disparities in 15-minute accessibility by walking, biking, and public transport within the Dutch province of Groningen, which encompasses a range of urban, suburban, and rural environments. Utilizing geospatial datasets, we compute accessibility scores based on access to 15 types of services. For the public transport accessibility score, we consider variations during rush hours, off-peak hours, and weekends. Furthermore, we measure accessibility for both standard and slower walking speeds to be sensitive to individuals with different abilities (i.e., the elderly). We then apply Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) to quantify and uncover spatial variations in the relationships between accessibility scores and socio-demographic/built-environment variables.

Research findings indicate that greater urbanization and population densities are strongly associated with higher accessibility, particularly regarding public transportation. While families with school-going children live in areas with less accessibility by walking and public transport and slightly higher accessibility by biking, young families tend to live in areas with higher accessibility, especially by public transportation. People with mobility disability, visual impairments, and older adults with fragile health tend to live in areas with better accessibility, especially when considering slower walking speeds. While very low-income households tend to live in areas with less accessibility, especially by biking, very high-income households live in areas with higher accessibility. Immigrants, who generally tend to cycle less than Dutch people, live in areas with higher accessibility, which is most pronounced by biking and public transport. While accessibility is higher in areas where more households without cars live, particularly for biking, households that own multiple vehicles are often situated in areas with lower accessibility by biking and other modes. The findings also highlight local differences in these relationships. These findings help policymakers target different interventions in areas where accessibility disparities are dominant if the goal is to improve accessibility equity.

Urban and suburban forests are essential for enhancing quality of life, offering opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and connection to nature. However, ensuring equitable accessibility to these spaces has become increasingly challenging due to urbanization, rising recreational demand, and the diverse needs of user groups. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches to green space management that prioritize sustainability and equitable access. The integration of big data and datafication offers significant opportunities in this context, providing insights for data-driven strategic decisions in recreation planning and natural resource management.

While extensive research exists on forest recreation, less attention has been given to accessibility dynamics of the "in-between" spaces connecting residential areas to forest destinations. This study provides a conceptual contribution by analyzing how recreational demand aligns with forest supply in the Vienna metropolitan area. Using mixed methods, including participatory GIS (PPGIS) data (n=3099) and spatial clustering techniques, it examines forest destination attractiveness, origin-destination flows, and accessibility patterns, focusing on factors such as network distance, transport modes, and proximity to residences. The analysis explores visitor transport modes, including walking, cycling, and car travel, and analyzed for their impact on spatial visitation trends.

Key findings highlight high-demand recreational zones and underutilized forests in suburban and peri-urban areas, where connectivity gaps and transport limitations hinder equitable access. Spatial clustering techniques reveal recreational flow patterns and opportunities for targeted infrastructure improvements. Generational differences in digital proficiency and recreational behavior emerge as important factors shaping access and engagement. These disparities underscore the importance of addressing individual and group-specific barriers to ensure equitable access. The findings emphasize the complementary role of digital and traditional tools and addressing individual and group-specific barriers in bridging accessibility gaps.

By examining the lived experiences of diverse of user groups, this research contributes to the discourse on the 15-minute city by expanding its principles to suburban and peri-urban contexts. It underscores the potential of participatory digital tools, spatial analytics, and data-driven strategies in addressing urbanization challenges. By tailoring urban planning to promote equity and sustainability, cities can enhance recreational access, support green infrastructure, and address dynamic urban needs.

The 15-minute-city concept aims to support a sustainable urban transition in European cities and active mobility, especially walking. In order to do so, urban neighbourhoods should provide good pedestrian infrastructures and access to relevant services and places.

While the concept is most promising for promoting the quality of life of citizens, the land use pattern and transport infrastructure, and thus accessibility, vary within the city and between neighbourhoods. There is also an individual dimension of accessibility, as the level of perceived accessibility is moderated by peoples’ needs and abilities and their personal circumstances. Lack of (walking) accessibility can lead to social exclusion, or poor health and wellbeing outcomes. Therefore, it is important to recognize the vital role of the neighbourhood level as well as to consider special needs to further develop the 15mC concept.

As part of the AccessCity4All project, we conducted qualitative Walk-Along-Interviews (WAI) with senior citizens and families with smaller children which are considered more vulnerable in terms of their mobility. We aim to better understand their mobility and accessibility needs and the perceptions at the street-level as well as their links to key components of the 15-minute-city concept. The interviews were conducted in autumn 2024 in five cities/regions: Vienna (Austria), Münster (Germany), Groningen (Netherlands), Lisbon (Portugal) and Ankara (Turkey). While walking together in the neighbourhood and directly experiencing the urban environment, the interviews centred around walking experiences and perceived accessibility.

In our presentation we will present first results from these interviews. We will look into similarities and differences from a cross-country comparison. This presentation will provide examples of perceived accessibility and about relevance of services for people’s everyday lives. We will also provide a deeper understanding of supporting and hindering factors for walking and discuss the special needs and perceptions of the vulnerable groups studied. In our conclusions, we will emphasize possibilities on the integration of our findings into future research and planning practices.