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Developing and Applying an Analytical–Integrative Framework for Assessing the Links between 15-Minute City Indicators and Sustainable Urban Transition Pathways

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Urban Design, Faculty of Urban Planning, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Faculty of Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.48311/udd.2026.117331.82805
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to develop and apply an integrated framework for analyzing and assessing the implementation of 15-minute city indicators in ten selected cities. The framework aligns and reinterprets key 15-minute city indicators based on conceptual components influencing the four transition paths of the DUT (Driving Urban Transitions) program, including sustainable urban transport, human-centered urban spaces, smart logistics and services, and governance and civic participation. In doing so, it provides an analytical tool for identifying strengths, weaknesses, and policy priorities.



Methods: The study is applied and analytical–comparative in nature and employs a directed qualitative content analysis approach. The conceptual framework serves as the basis for analyzing selected cities, enabling a comparative assessment of the indicators and their alignment with the DUT transition paths.



Findings: Comparative analysis shows that the implementation of key indicators—proximity, accessibility, density, diversity, land-use mix, adaptability, flexibility, human scale, connectivity, digitalization, and inclusivity—varies in intensity and quality across the four DUT transition paths. These differences are directly influenced by urban form, planning policies, population density, transport infrastructure, and socio-economic inequalities.



Conclusion: The results indicate that the full realization of the 15-minute city model requires coordination across the four DUT domains and their associated indicators, as focusing solely on one domain creates performance gaps and spatial inequities. The proposed integrated framework can guide neighborhood-level policymaking, enhance urban quality of life, and inform the design of pilot projects in various cities

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 January 2026

  • Receive Date 01 November 2025
  • Revise Date 09 December 2025
  • Accept Date 07 January 2026
  • First Publish Date 07 January 2026
  • Publish Date 07 January 2026