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Description
This study evaluates walking accessibility to urban amenities in cities from five distinct countries: Lisbon, Vienna, Münster, Groningen, Ankara (Keçiören and Çankaya). Focusing on both general residents and the elderly population, the research assesses the spatial distribution of essential services such as healthcare, education, retail, financial services, leisure, and sport facilities within a 15-minute walking distance. The cities are compared based on the geographic coverage of these services and the population served, highlighting socio-spatial inequalities in different urban settings. In Lisbon, accessibility is higher for recreational and retail services, while healthcare and education exhibit significant gaps. Olderly residents experience reduced physical access, except for pharmacies, whose distribution better reflects areas with higher concentration of this demographic. In Vienna, the homogeneous distribution of services ensures broader coverage across all categories. However, educational and financial services show lower accessibility in areas with higher elderly population. Münster demonstrates a constrained allocation of healthcare and retail services in less densely populated areas. Despite this, parks and green spaces effectively meet the needs of both general and elderly residents. Groningen reveals marked disparities between urban and peri-urban areas, with services like secondary schools and financial institutions concentrated in urban centers. The elderly face greater accessibility challenges, except for recreational spaces and facilities, which remain highly accessible. Similarly, in the Turkish capital city of Ankara (districts of Keçiören and Çankaya), healthcare services have medium-to-high accessibility, with pharmacies and primary healthcare centers serving most residents. Yet, amenities like gyms, pools, and banks are less accessible in low-density areas. The elderly population has limited access to educational and recreational services, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Overall, compact cities like Vienna and Lisbon tend to perform better in accessibility, whereas cities with lower density or peri-urban sprawl face significant challenges. This analysis highlights the importance of adapting urban policies to meet the needs especially of vulnerable groups, aligning with the principles of the 15-minute city concept.
| Keywords | Accessibility analysis; proximity; urban amenities; urban functions; spatial analysis |
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| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
