Manuscript Submission Deadline 12 January 2027

This Research Topic is currently accepting articles

1. The concept of proximity-based urbanism has gained remarkable traction in recent years through the idea of the 15-minute city (15mC), a framework that envisions compact, human-scale neighborhoods where essential services and opportunities are easily accessible. Within the fields of sustainable urbanism, mobility planning, and social equity, the 15mC is often hailed as a paradigm shift toward livable and resilient cities. Yet, despite its growing global influence, the practical implementation of the 15mC reveals critical gaps in theory, methodology, and governance. Current debates question its adaptability across diverse socio-spatial contexts and highlight persistent challenges related to uneven spatial development, socio-economic disparities, and the complexities of governance. Recent studies show that while the 15mC promotes sustainability and well-being, its outcomes are highly context-dependent and can inadvertently reinforce urban inequalities if not critically examined. Addressing these gaps requires integrating multiple perspectivesfrom chrono-urbanism and active mobility to participatory governance and spatial justiceto develop frameworks that truly reflect the diversity and dynamism of urban life.
   
   This Research Topic aims to critically assess the potentials, limitations, and contextual variations of the 15-minute city as a pathway toward more inclusive, equitable, and accessible urban futures. It seeks to advance theoretical and empirical understanding beyond idealized models of proximity, examining how social, temporal, and economic dimensions shape accessibility in everyday life. Specific objectives include exploring how chrono-urbanism reshapes our understanding of time and urban rhythm; how planning and design can promote inclusivity for underrepresented and vulnerable groups; and how participatory approaches can foster more democratic and legitimate decision-making processes. By connecting research, policy, and practice, the Research Topic aspires to consolidate an actionable knowledge base for transforming the 15mC from concept into context-specific reality.
   
   The scope of this Research Topic encompasses theoretical, methodological, and applied investigations into the 15-minute city while focusing primarily on neighborhood-scale interventions and multi-scalar governance mechanisms. It invites contributions that address critical debates and innovations in proximity-based urban planning and inclusive accessibility.
   
   To gather further insights into the contextual and practical dimensions of the 15-minute city, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
   
   • Measuring and evaluating accessibility within 15-minute city frameworks
   • Temporal and rhythmic analyses inspired by chrono-urbanism
   • Inclusive urban design and planning for vulnerable and marginalized groups
   • Neighborhood-scale strategies for compact, mixed-use, and resilient communities
   • Participatory, co-creative, and knowledge-sharing tools in urban governance
   • Comparative case studies from rapidly transforming cities and the Global South
   • Policy frameworks connecting research, planning, and real-world implementation
   
   Appendix: We welcome original research articles, review papers, and policy-oriented studies.