Evolving from proximity to experience in the 15-minute Happy City

Yannick Cornet; Dimitris Milakis; Jonas De Vos; Eva Malichova; Veronique Van Acker

doi:10.1007/s44327-026-00206-2

Evolving from proximity to experience in the 15-minute Happy City

Yannick Cornet
, Dimitris Milakis
, Jonas De Vos
, Eva Malichova
, Veronique Van Acker

Urban Development & Mobility

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The 15-minute City promotes access to essential services within short distances by walking, cycling, or public transport. While reducing travel distances is important, focusing on proximity alone overlooks travel experience quality and does not ensure a shift to sustainable modes. By prioritising both proximity and worthwhile travel time, we propose the 15-minute Happy City, a broader planning agenda that incorporates urban and travel experiences to achieve greater satisfaction, enjoyment, and well-being.

Original language	English
Journal	Discover Cities
Volume	3
Issue number	28
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s44327-026-00206-2
Publication status	Published - 10 Mar 2026

Keywords

human geography
Urban Ethnography
urban policy
Urban Geography and Urbanism
transport geography
rt Geography Sustainable Urban Accessibility Planning

Access to Document

10.1007/s44327-026-00206-2

Cite this

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AU - De Vos, Jonas

AU - Malichova, Eva

AU - Van Acker, Veronique

PY - 2026/3/10

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AB - The 15-minute City promotes access to essential services within short distances by walking, cycling, or public transport. While reducing travel distances is important, focusing on proximity alone overlooks travel experience quality and does not ensure a shift to sustainable modes. By prioritising both proximity and worthwhile travel time, we propose the 15-minute Happy City, a broader planning agenda that incorporates urban and travel experiences to achieve greater satisfaction, enjoyment, and well-being.

KW - human geography

KW - Urban Ethnography

KW - urban policy

KW - Urban Geography and Urbanism

KW - transport geography

KW - rt Geography Sustainable Urban Accessibility Planning

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