The "15-Minute City" : Lessons from Athens of the North

The concept of the “15-Minute City” has gained significant traction within urban planning circles in recent years. At its core, this model envisions a city where residents can access daily needs—work, education, healthcare, leisure, and shopping—within a 15-minute walk or cycle from their homes. For some, it’s seen as a ‘silver bullet’ to counter the unsustainable planning practices that have shaped urban development globally.

In an era where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace (it is plausible that we will make 100 years worth of technological progress over the next 5 years!) and loneliness has reached epidemic levels (with 1 in 4 adults experiencing it), the design of our cities can profoundly influence how we live—healthier, happier, and even more profitably.

For me, the “15-Minute City” brings to mind Edinburgh—a city I lived in for over a decade before moving to the UAE. It’s a place that encapsulates many of the principles of this concept, making it challenging for me to consider moving anywhere else. While there are undoubtedly other cities around the world that embody these traits (perhaps even the one you’re living in right now), Edinburgh checks many boxes from an urban planning perspective. My personal connection to it may bias this article, but its structure and character make it a compelling example.

Edinburgh: A City of Three Zones

Spatially, I often think of Edinburgh in three broad zones:

1. The Commercial New Town

2. The Touristy High Street

3. The Green Lungs of The Meadows

During my university years, I lived in various flats (apartments) which I shared with other friends just off the Meadows. The University “campus” was always a 5-minute walk from where I lived. I say “campus” because it wasn’t a traditional, defined space but a series of buildings seamlessly integrated into the city; accessible to students, staff, residents, and tourists alike.

In between lectures, if my favorite spot—Elephants & Bagels, was too crowded, I’d venture into one of the many cozy cafés along the Royal Mile (High Street) for lunch. This iconic, cobbled thoroughfare—anchored by the majestic Edinburgh Castle at one end and the striking Scottish Parliament at the other—was just a short 5-minute walk from my studio on Chambers Street.

With a bit of spare time, my friends and I might wander another 5 minutes to Princes Street in New Town—a lively hub for shopping and errands. Between lectures, I’d pop into HMV, GAP, or Waterstones, or make a quick stop at the bank (usually to negotiate yet another increase to my student overdraft!).

On those rare sunny days when the rain held off, I’d grab lunch at Princes Street Gardens, enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of Edinburgh Castle perched majestically above. If time allowed, I’d head back to Potterrow near the university to browse through second-hand CDs—Air, Boards of Canada, Mylo & Daft Punk were always on my radar—before making my way to the next tutorial.

Evenings were for unwinding: running along the Meadows, joining a random 5-a-side football game, or, when the mood struck, hiking up Arthur’s Seat. That climb rewarded me with a spectacular panoramic view of the city—a perfect moment to reflect, recharge, and soak in the beauty of Edinburgh.

In essence, my daily life revolved around a 15-minute walking radius. From home to work (studio), socializing with friends, shopping or running errands, everything I needed was easily accessible on foot. This convenience eliminated the need for a car. For longer trips, I relied on my trusty bicycle, or hopped on a Lothian bus when heading to catch up with friends for football games at Heriot-Watt campus or the Peffermill pitches. But most of the time, it was simply walk, walk, and walk.

Interestingly, research now highlights that one of the key markers for longevity is….(drum roll, please!)….walking!

An increasing body of research highlights the numerous benefits of walking, including its role in reducing mortality rates, boosting immune function, and serving as a key factor in weight management and reduction.

Walking is more than just a mode of transport—it’s a cornerstone of health, well-being, and even happiness.

Walking & Community

Walking is one of the most fundamental acts of human life—something our ancestors have relied on for millennia and something our bodies are physiologically designed to do. The thigh muscles, among the largest in the human body, have evolved specifically for the repetitive yet profound motion of walking. It’s why our heart rate quickly rises when we shift from sitting to strolling, and why doctors use walking-based stress tests as a key measure of heart functionality.

Research on 'Blue Zones'—regions where people routinely live to 100 and beyond—has revealed a compelling link between walking and social connection. Walking fosters chance encounters, cultivates a sense of belonging, and, dare I say, even strengthens the local economy. Unlike the isolating nature of private cars, walking moves at a human pace, inviting social interactions and spontaneous stops that enrich community life.

Take, for instance, the seemingly simple act of popping into a shop for “just” milk and eggs, only to walk out with a bag full of unexpected items (surely, I’m not the only one guilty of this!). Ever wonder why stores frequently shuffle their product placements or why essentials like milk are almost always tucked away at the back? It’s a deliberate strategy—one that encourages you to traverse the store, increasing the chances of those unplanned, impulse purchases.

Now, imagine scaling that concept to a city. Picture the streets as aisles, lined with local businesses and opportunities for discovery. As you walk from one destination to another, you’re exposed to more than just your intended stops—you’re engaging with the community, stumbling upon new shops, and supporting the local economy. Walking doesn’t just connect you to places; it injects life into neighborhoods, drives foot traffic for businesses, and creates a thriving ecosystem of human-scale commerce.

Technology, while transformative, can’t replicate the physical and social benefits of walking-centric cities. Designing cities where daily needs are accessible on foot or by bike could counterbalance the isolating effects of digital life and reduce reliance on cars or “prime” next-day deliveries.

Walking in Edinburgh & Dubai

Granted, walking through a cold and rainy Edinburgh winter is undoubtedly more bearable than braving the scorching 45°C heat and high humidity of Dubai’s summer. While climate poses a challenge, the fundamental principles of walkable design—accessibility, compactness, and comfort—are universally adaptable. With creative solutions tailored to its unique conditions, Dubai has the potential to embody the spirit of the "15-Minute City".

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan. This ambitious initiative seeks to transform Dubai into a year-round pedestrian-friendly city by prioritizing accessibility, safety, and an enhanced walking experience. The plan features a 6,500-kilometer network of modern walkways, 110 pedestrian bridges, and underpasses designed to improve connectivity. With the addition of uninterrupted pathways and expanded green spaces, the Master Plan aims to increase pedestrian and soft mobility from the current 13% to 25% over the next 15 years, setting a benchmark for walkable cities in hot climates.

Principles of a "15-Minute City"

From my perspective, Edinburgh’s urban planning embodies several key principles that serve as invaluable lessons for designing a successful "15-Minute City", including:

1. Accessible (for all ages and abilities)

2. Connected (using different modes of transport)

3. Comfortable (and inviting to walk in)

4. Compact (areas to live/work/play/socialise within 10-15 minutes of each other)

5. Multi-layered (spaces that stay active day and night with complementary functions.

6. Memorable (environments not only to navigate but most importantly to create life-long experiences in)

7. Sustainable (environmentally, socially and economically)

As the pace of change accelerates with the rise of Artificial Intelligence and the growing epidemic of urban loneliness, it’s becoming increasingly important for cities to adapt. By focusing on the core principles of accessibility, physical connection, and sustainability, we have the potential to create communities that foster inclusivity, engagement, and well-being. The 15-minute city model offers us the opportunity to design spaces where walking isn’t just a practical choice but a way of life—integral to our daily routines, our social interactions, and our health. It’s time for cities to not only be places to live but thriving environments that support human connection and enhance the quality of life for everyone.

(This is a personal anecdote and some references to names/places may be severely outdated! If you found this article useful, do let me know & I'd love to hear about your own "15-Minute City"!)