Research Project "15-Minute City" (2023-2024)

S&W, in cooperation with the German Institute of Urban Affairs (Difu) and the Research Office Scheiner (FBS), conducted the research project "The 15-Minute City". The project, which was part of the General Departmental Research Program, was funded by the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB) and the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR).

The research project provided the first comprehensive empirical assessment of the 15-Minute City concept in Germany. Its objective was to analyse both the spatial preconditions for and the actual use of neighborhood-based everyday amenities from a nationwide perspective.

Using high-resolution accessibility analyses based on Germany's 100 × 100 meter census grid, the study examined across the entire country the extent to which key everyday destinations, such as retail and grocery services, educational facilities, healthcare services, and leisure opportunities, can be reached on foot or by bicycle in cities and neighborhoods.

To measure the 15-minute city, three indicators were developed and implemented:
• X-Minute City Indicator: How many minutes are required on average to reach 24 relevant categories of everyday destinations?
• 15-Minute City Fulfilment Rate: To what extent are the various dimensions of everyday needs, together with their respective relevant destinations, actually accessible within 15 minutes?
• 15-Minute City Index: How is the spatial distribution of the 15-Minute City characterised when more complex needs and requirements are taken into account? The index differentiates between four age groups and incorporates both the availability of alternatives (choice options) and ultra-local accessibility.

In addition, the extent to which the population actually uses these locally accessible everyday amenities was analysed. Household surveys were conducted to examine perceptions and usage patterns of the “15-minute city” concept in in-depth case studies across nine cities, as well as potential barriers to more active and proximity-based everyday mobility.

The study shows that many characteristics of a 15-minute city are already significantly more widespread in Germany than is commonly assumed. At the same time, there is a close relationship between the quality of local accessibility and everyday mobility behavior, particularly with regard to car availability and use. Good accessibility to everyday destinations is highly valued by the population. However, the freedom to choose between different types of services and destinations is often perceived as more important than the spatial proximity to the nearest. At the same time, the perception of unfavorable conditions for walking and cycling represents a key barrier to greater use of short-distance travel and thus to further implementation of the 15-minute city concept.

The results have been published: Schwarze, B., Spiekermann, K., Bauer, U., Lohaus, J., Scheiner, J. (2025): The 15-Minute City. BBSR Online Publication 27/2025. Bonn: Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR). https://doi.org/10.58007/8m7z-qr40