The research investigated accessibility within the framework of the 15-Minute City concept, with a specific focus on inclusivity and proximity. The 15-Minute City is an urban planning concept that seeks to ensure that all essential human needs are within a 15-minute walking or cycling distance. The research assumes that disparities exist based on various socio-demographic and spatial attributes, as well as differences in modes of transportation. The primary objective of the study was to assess the quality of the 15-Minute City concept in Amsterdam, identify areas and social groups that face accessibility disadvantages and inequalities, and propose potential solutions for improvement.
The author conducted a quantitative fine-grained urban analysis on the case of Amsterdam, building upon an extensive review of existing theory and cases related to the 15-Minute City framework. The author introduced and calculated the 15-Minute City (FMC) index using a combination of data for street networks, amenities and sociodemographic using 100x100m grid.
The results revealed clear disparities in the FMC index among different zones, social groups, and modes of transport. The FMC index reflects the quality of accessibility based on the proximity component of the concept. The findings demonstrate that population density, travel speed, and street network play a significant role in the FMC index. For example, it shows that peripheral zones of the city and elderly individuals tend to have lower index values.
Several recommendations are provided to improve the quality of the index and facilitate the implementation of the FMC concept in urban neighborhoods. Limitations of the study are seen in the method - the FMC index offers valuable insights but is restricted by fixed parameters, such as amenities and travel time, making accurate data crucial for reliable results. In order to tackle this, the author proposes a digital tool with interactive features that would allow urban planners to explore different settings.