Reimagining the High-Density, Vertical 15-Minute City

In recent years, the 15-minute city (15MC) model has gained significant attention among scholars and practitioners, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. However, limited research has explored how this model can be adapted to high-density, high-rise urban environments characterized by compact land u...

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Main Authors: Chenyu Zan, Ruchi Bhatia, Swinal Samant
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Buildings
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/10/1629
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author Chenyu Zan
Ruchi Bhatia
Swinal Samant
author_facet Chenyu Zan
Ruchi Bhatia
Swinal Samant
author_sort Chenyu Zan
collection DOAJ
description In recent years, the 15-minute city (15MC) model has gained significant attention among scholars and practitioners, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. However, limited research has explored how this model can be adapted to high-density, high-rise urban environments characterized by compact land use and mobility challenges. This study addresses this gap by extending the core principles of the 15MC—density, proximity, diversity, and digitalization—with additional context-specific dimensions: mobility choice, walkability and cyclability, public transport proximity, inclusivity, placemaking, and policy integration. Using qualitative research and site observations, we analyze three diverse neighborhoods in Singapore: Clementi, Toa Payoh, and Holland Village. The comparative evaluation reveals the strengths and limitations of applying a vertical, hierarchical, and multilayered planning model in dense urban contexts. The study also highlights the potential of a three-dimensional planning framework that integrates vertical and horizontal spatial structures to optimize accessibility and functionality. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable urbanism by offering actionable strategies to support the transition toward more accessible, low-carbon, and livable high-density cities.
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spelling doaj-art-df7ad1bdea35495d892e4922e93b8c0b2025-08-20T01:56:29ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-05-011510162910.3390/buildings15101629Reimagining the High-Density, Vertical 15-Minute CityChenyu Zan0Ruchi Bhatia1Swinal Samant2Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, SingaporeDepartment of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, SingaporeDepartment of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, SingaporeIn recent years, the 15-minute city (15MC) model has gained significant attention among scholars and practitioners, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. However, limited research has explored how this model can be adapted to high-density, high-rise urban environments characterized by compact land use and mobility challenges. This study addresses this gap by extending the core principles of the 15MC—density, proximity, diversity, and digitalization—with additional context-specific dimensions: mobility choice, walkability and cyclability, public transport proximity, inclusivity, placemaking, and policy integration. Using qualitative research and site observations, we analyze three diverse neighborhoods in Singapore: Clementi, Toa Payoh, and Holland Village. The comparative evaluation reveals the strengths and limitations of applying a vertical, hierarchical, and multilayered planning model in dense urban contexts. The study also highlights the potential of a three-dimensional planning framework that integrates vertical and horizontal spatial structures to optimize accessibility and functionality. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable urbanism by offering actionable strategies to support the transition toward more accessible, low-carbon, and livable high-density cities.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/10/1629fifteen-minute cityvertical cityhigh densityactive mobilityurban designframework
spellingShingle Chenyu Zan
Ruchi Bhatia
Swinal Samant
Reimagining the High-Density, Vertical 15-Minute City
Buildings
fifteen-minute city
vertical city
high density
active mobility
urban design
framework
title Reimagining the High-Density, Vertical 15-Minute City
title_full Reimagining the High-Density, Vertical 15-Minute City
title_fullStr Reimagining the High-Density, Vertical 15-Minute City
title_full_unstemmed Reimagining the High-Density, Vertical 15-Minute City
title_short Reimagining the High-Density, Vertical 15-Minute City
title_sort reimagining the high density vertical 15 minute city
topic fifteen-minute city
vertical city
high density
active mobility
urban design
framework
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/10/1629
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