Exploring the 15-minute city from concept to practice: POLIS and ACUTE dive in

The POLIS Active Travel & Health Working Group, in collaboration with the ACUTE project, organised a workshop during the Annual POLIS Conference 2023, titled ‘The 15-minute city: From concept to practice.’ Find out all the insights in our latest report!

The POLIS Active Travel & Health Working Group, in collaboration with the ACUTE project, organised a workshop as a side event to the Annual POLIS Conference 2023, titled ‘The 15-minute city: From concept to practice.’ This event facilitated a dialogue among POLIS members on measures promoting a city of proximity, specifically focusing on the 15-minute city concept. ACUTE, a knowledge hub involving 12 partners from five countries, highlighted its role in bridging academic knowledge and urban practice.

Building on ACUTE’s previous seminars, the workshop engaged participants in activities exploring research support for the 15-minute city's implementation: reflecting on adjustments needed in research. Concerns were voiced about communication challenges, unrealistic views of universal applicability, and the need for tools to be more adaptable Gustav Friis from POLIS member Aarhus provided some practical insights on the city's approach to the concept. The discussion delved into assumptions about the 15-minute city, with Aarhus emphasizing potential benefits but expressing uncertainties about implementation and impacts, highlighting the need for collaborative research and practical insights.

Key takeaways stressed effective communication, the significance of mobility hubs, safety in active mobility systems, and the necessity for collaboration between researchers and practitioners. The discussion underscored the comprehensive and inclusive approach required for urban and mobility planning, considering diverse citizen needs.

The workshop concluded with a focus on ongoing collaboration between the POLIS Active Travel & Health Working Group and the ACUTE project in 2024. This collaboration aims to continue fostering discussions, exchanging experiences, and bridging the gap from concept to practice for the 15-minute city, contributing to the development of better cities and improved active mobility.

Read the full report below or at this link.