The 15-minute city as a framework for sustainable urban development: A comparative analysis of proximity-based planning in Paris, Vienna, and Tashkent

Abstract

The 15-minute city has emerged as a contemporary urban planning paradigm aimed at improving sustainability, social equity, and quality of life by ensuring that essential daily services are accessible within a short walking or cycling distance from residential areas. By prioritizing proximity, mixed land use, and active mobility, the model challenges car-dependent urban development patterns and promotes human-centered urban environments. This paper examines the theoretical foundations of the 15-minute city concept, its implications for urban mobility and governance, and its applicability across diverse urban contexts, including transitional cities. Using a qualitative and comparative analytical approach, the study reviews international implementation practices and policy frameworks in order to identify both the opportunities and limitations of proximity-based planning. The findings indicate that the 15-minute city represents a flexible and adaptive framework for sustainable urban development; however, its successful implementation depends on integrated transport systems, inclusive planning policies, and context-sensitive adaptation to local socio-spatial conditions.