Forget the conspiracies, 15-minute cities will free us to improve our mental health and wellbeing

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 13:51:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/forget-the-conspiracies-15-minute-cities-will-free-us-to-improve-our-mental-health-and-wellbeing-200823>

"The idea of the 15-minute city, according to its originator Carlos Moreno, is
that people are no more than a 15-minute walk or bike ride away from all the
services they need to live, learn and thrive.

The idea is appealing in its simplicity: it puts people and the environment at
the centre of urban planning. It involves building new urban centres and
restructuring existing ones to ensure the services people need for work, food,
health, education, culture and leisure are all close by – a walk or bike ride
from home. Key elements are: the proximity of necessities; local participation
and decision-making; community solidarity and connection; and green and
sustainable urban living.

This re-imagining of local living is quickly going global. Its proponents are
many and growing, and the idea is being applied on big city stages. Most
notably, the 15-minute city was a feature of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s
successful re-election campaign in 2020.

The United Nations has hailed the 15-minute city as a means by which cities can
emerge from COVID, as well as reduce the damaging dependence on cars. The
potential to promote mental health and wellbeing is significant."

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics

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