topos Magazine

13 June 2025

The concept of the 15-minute city is causing a stir in urban planning worldwide. It promises liveable, walkable neighbourhoods in which everything important - from schools and healthcare to workplaces - can be reached within 15 minutes. Paris, Barcelona and Melbourne have already adopted this model. But can it really improve everyday life, reduce emissions and strengthen the sense of community? In view of the World Bank's forecast that almost 70 per cent of humanity will live in cities by 2050, the question arises: is the 15-minute city more than just an ideal? We shed light on the potential, limits and concrete realisation of a concept that could fundamentally change our cities.