15-minute city: The surprising truth about our environment!

15-minute city: The surprising truth about our environment!

In a current report by the Federal Institute for Urban and Spatial Research: The "15-minute city", a concept that ensures that all important everyday goals can be reached within 15 minutes on foot or by bike, is widespread in Germany than previously assumed. On July 7, 2025, the study, which was created on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building, was published and offers interesting insights into the urban structures of many cities in the country. According to Deutschlandfunk, everyday goals such as supermarkets, schools, playgrounds and restaurants are not only to be found in large cities, but also in many communities that have compact settlement structures.

dr. Brigitte Adam, project manager of the study, emphasizes that the likelihood of having such goals nearby is increasing with the population density. The results show that in the top rated cities, the accessibility of these goals is only between six and eight minutes, which makes people everyday life easier and at the same time contributes to strengthening neighborhood. In addition, good accessibility also brings advantages for the environment - less car traffic means less exhaust gases and pollutants in the air.

The advantages of the 15-minute city

In times of traffic jams, air pollution and social isolation, concepts such as the 15-minute city, developed by city researcher Carlos Moreno, are more important than ever. Mixed urban planning, in which living, leisure and work areas move closer together, everyday mobility is improved. Stadtmarketing describes the advantages of the model impressively: less car traffic, improved air quality, strong social bindings and integration of disadvantaged groups. This model also enables new industry to establish and increase the quality of life in the long term.

In addition, it is exciting to see that these principles are also implementing in Austria: in Graz, Vienna and Innsbruck, it is possible to reach the essential facilities, with impressive odds of up to 92%. Initiatives such as the "Master Plan" in Linz or the "Smart Klima City Strategy" in Vienna show that the trend towards more environmentally friendly mobility is also going here.

challenges and critical voices

Of course there are also critical voices about this concept. Some experts, for example Vittorio Loreto, warn that not all cities are equally suitable for the implementation of the 15-minute city. In older, auto -centered cities, it could be difficult to bring about the desired changes. Nevertheless, the basic idea of ​​dissolving the social and spatial barriers in cities and redesigning urban spaces remains a promising perspective for the future.

The comprehensive analysis of all German municipalities shows that in Germany an average of around three quarters of the population are able to reach a variety of facilities within 15 minutes. Continuous improvements in the infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists could further increase this number and contribute to the implementation of the goal of a livable urban space.

While the concept of the 15-minute city does not remain without challenges, it can be stated: It offers valuable approaches to improve life in our cities and to promote sustainability and social interaction. Especially at a time when the challenges of climate and environmental issues become more pressing, the chances are good that more and more cities will take up the idea of ​​the 15-minute city.