Cushman & Wakefield released its Hiking Sustainability via Walkable Cities report for the APAC region in November 2023 at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. The report examines how urban planning plays an important role in responding to lifestyle changes and climate change and promotes workable transformation in terms of the 15-minute city concept, balanced urban public space, transit-oriented development (TOD), ecological solutions, net-zero buildings and other approaches to bring about beneficial change and the creation of a sustainable urban environment.
The 15-minute city
The walkable 15-minute city is a fresh concept that requires cities to be planned in such a way whereby citizens of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities in all parts of the urban area can gain access to their daily needs within the distance of a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride. The concept also champions a city which has a plethora of walkable self-sustaining livable neighborhoods and fewer private automobiles.
Urban public space
When specifically considering urban public space in the Asia Pacific region in relation to sustainable 15-minute city urban environs, the aim for local governments is to generate all-inclusive citizen-friendly settings that are also economically workable. It’s not just a matter of simply planning, designing and incorporating a public space which is accessible by a short walk; ideally it must be a placemaking approach that produces community ownership of public spaces from space planning to space operation and management. Ultimately, the approach adopted should produce a public space which a 15-minute walkable community and visitors alike wish to be active in and wish to spend time in again and again.
Download the report for more information.