Can you reach all the essentials in just 15 minutes?

In recent years, the concept of the "15-minute city" has gained significant attention as a groundbreaking urban planning strategy. Originating from Paris, this innovative concept aims to create livable and sustainable communities where essential services and amenities are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from residents' homes.

Quezon City, the largest city in the Philippines, has taken inspiration from this model and is pioneering its implementation. In this article, we will explore the 15-minute city concept, its applicability to different cities, and how it can potentially affect property prices from economic, geographic, and utility perspectives.

• Understanding the 15-Minute City Concept
  The 15-minute city concept revolves around the idea of decentralizing essential services, such as healthcare, education, job opportunities, parks, and open spaces, to ensure easy accessibility for residents. By reducing the reliance on cars and promoting active modes of transportation, such as walking and cycling, the concept aims to enhance urban biodiversity, mitigate carbon emissions, foster inclusivity, and create a more sustainable environment.

• Applicability to Different Cities
  While the 15-minute city concept has gained traction in various parts of the world, its applicability to different cities depends on several factors. Factors such as population density, existing infrastructure, transportation networks, and urban planning policies play crucial roles in determining the feasibility and success of implementing this concept. Cities with well-connected neighborhoods, mixed land-use development, and a strong emphasis on pedestrian and cycling infrastructure are more likely to embrace and benefit from the 15-minute city concept.

• The Case of Quezon City
  Quezon City, the capital of the Philippines, is at the forefront of implementing the 15-minute city concept. Inspired by the success of Paris, Mayor Joy Belmonte aims to create a livable and sustainable community by ensuring that essential services are easily accessible within a short walk or bike ride from residents' homes. The city has formed a dedicated team of researchers from various departments to study the model and identify the necessary services for each community.

• Economic Advantages
  The 15-minute city concept can have significant economic advantages for cities and its residents. By decentralizing essential services, it promotes the local economy by encouraging neighborhood-level businesses and entrepreneurship. Access to amenities within a short distance reduces transportation costs and time spent commuting, allowing residents to allocate resources towards other areas of their lives, such as education, leisure, or personal development. This increased accessibility and convenience can positively impact property prices, as proximity to essential services becomes a valuable asset.

• Geographic Advantages
  The geographic advantages of the 15-minute city concept lie in creating compact and well-connected urban areas. By reducing the need for long-distance travel, it can lead to densification and redevelopment of underutilized spaces within the city. This may result in increased demand for properties in well-connected neighborhoods, which can subsequently drive property prices upwards. However, it is crucial to ensure that the implementation of the concept is balanced and does not lead to exclusionary effects or displacement of vulnerable communities.

• Utility Advantages
  The utility advantages of the 15-minute city concept are numerous. Easy access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities improves the quality of life for residents. Proximity to parks and open spaces promotes physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the concept encourages sustainable practices such as walking and cycling, leading to reduced carbon emissions and a healthier environment. These utility advantages can positively influence property prices as residents seek to live in neighborhoods that offer a higher quality of life and a more sustainable lifestyle.

The 15-minute city concept has the potential to revolutionize urban planning and create more livable, sustainable, and inclusive communities. Quezon City's initiative to adopt this model showcases its commitment to creating a vibrant and environmentally conscious city.

While the concept can positively impact property prices by enhancing economic, geographic, and utility advantages, it is essential to ensure equitable implementation that avoids exclusionary effects and prioritizes the needs of all residents.

The success of the 15-minute city concept depends on collaborative efforts between residents, private sector stakeholders, and government agencies, all working towards a shared vision of a thriving and resilient city of the future.

BY: CJ MANALO
Marketing Executive, DRIVEN Marketing Group Inc.
0938 829 9733

CJ MANALO | 0938 829 9733