Implementation of a 15-minute city concept (case study of the «Zilart» residential complex)

The concept of a 15-minute city was first introduced in 2016, and aims to create urban environments where all basic needs of residents could be met within a 15-minute walking distance. The study focuses on the «Zilart» residential complex, constructed on the site of the former ZIL automotive plant in Moscow. The primary goal of the research is to assess the conformity of the new development with the principles of 15-minute accessibility and analyze the applicability of this concept in Russia. The article proposes an original interpretation of the novel concept in domestic urban planning practice. The research examines such characteristics of the residential complex as compactness and diversity of infrastructure facilities, as well as the impact of the concept on satisfaction of the residents. The research methodology includes comparative and cartographic analyses using Geographic Information Systems (QGIS). The comparative analysis, based on existing literature, facilitated the compilation of a list of essential infrastructure elements adapted to the case study. The cartographic analysis enabled to find out the spatial accessibility for identified infrastructure facilities. A statistical method was employed as a supporting and complementary tool, using the surveys of residents. Based on the generated maps, the infrastructure was evaluated against the criterion of residents’ satisfaction. This revealed both positive aspects, such as high transport connectivity and integration with the city, and shortcomings, such as uneven distribution of certain infrastructure types. The results of the geospatial analysis indicate that the infrastructure of the «Zilart» residential complex partially meets the criteria of the 15-minute city concept by ensuring the accessibility of all essential facilities. However, the residents’ surveys revealed that social and cultural ties to traditional urban norms of Moscow reduce the level of micromobility and neighborhood autonomy, contradicting the stated concept. The presented study not only evaluates the «Zilart» residential complex in terms of its compliance with the principles of the 15-minute city but also represents an attempt to develop methodological approaches for advancing similar projects in Russian urban planning.

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