Path to a New Urban Lifestyle: Happy Proximities Prioritizing Citizens’ Well-Being.
At Budapest Global, we had the privilege of welcoming Professor Carlos Moreno, a leading expert in urban transformation and the visionary behind the innovative „15-Minute City” concept (15mC), during the Budapest Forum.
The concept of proximity-centered accessibility has gained significant attention in recent years. But why?
One key reason is the growing demand for environments where essential services are within walking or biking distance, reducing the long commutes that harm our health and the planet. The vision of the 15-minute city offers us this future.
Beyond personal convenience and health, proximity-centered living also plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges. As cities face increasing climate emergencies, proximity helps reduce CO2 emissions, lower energy consumption, and foster stronger social connections. These benefits align with urgent global priorities, and the movement towards shorter distances—central to the 15-Minute City concept—provides a practical, immediate path toward achieving a net-zero future.
What is the vision of a sustainable proximate future?
The vision of a sustainable proximate future is already taking shape in cities around the world. Lessons from 98 cities, including Paris, Milan, Zagreb, and Vienna—recognized for implementing 15-Minute City practices—demonstrate how this model integrates both social and physical dimensions, creating what are known as „happy proximities.” By prioritizing citizens’ well-being, these cities shift the focus to sustainable mobility, transforming areas around schools, businesses, and public spaces into multifunctional zones where leisure and daily activities are more evenly distributed across the urban landscape.
Recent research[1] indicates that 87% of Budapest’s residents view the city as a good place to live. However, rising climate challenges—such as increased flooding, droughts, and extreme heat—are placing growing pressure on the city’s infrastructure and quality of life.
The 15-Minute City (15mC) concept presents a human-centered approach to tackling these issues. By evenly distributing essential services like cultural, educational, and healthcare facilities throughout the city, it ensures that residents can access these amenities within a comfortable walking or cycling distance. This approach not only enhances accessibility but also improves overall livability, making urban life more resilient to environmental changes.
At its core, the 15-Minute City is about more than just proximity—it prioritizes access to essential destinations and daily needs within short, safe travel times. This approach not only boosts sustainability but also promotes a healthier urban lifestyle, fostering social cohesion, inclusivity, and economic equity across communities.
By implementing the 15mC model, cities can generate more local services, jobs, and commerce, while creating vibrant hubs of activity. This, in turn, strengthens social bonds across all generations—from children to the elderly—throughout a more inclusive and connected community.
Can the 15-Minute City concept bring similar benefits to Budapest?
If done right, Budapest could enhance access to essential services, improve sustainability, and foster a more inclusive, connected community.
Let’s embrace the journey toward the 15-Minute City together.
[1] Report on the quality of Life in European Cities, 2023
