IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

The 15-minute city concept, which advocates for urban neighbourhoods where essential services are accessible within a 15-minute walk or cycle, has garnered significant attention as a model for promoting sustainable and equitable urban environments. However, despite its promise of fostering just and inclusive cities, concerns have been raised about its potential to perpetuate unjust outcomes and socio-spatial inequalities, underscoring the importance of critical evaluation through a social justice lens. This study investigates how, and to what extent, social justice values are integrated into the local plans of cities that have adopted this concept. A structured content analysis was conducted on policy documents from Edinburgh, Melbourne, Paris and Utrecht. The findings reveal that while social justice is acknowledged in the policy frameworks of these cities, a more comprehensive approach to justice—along with its explicit incorporation into practical foundations—is crucial for guiding cities toward equitable and inclusive futures.