There in 15 minutes? The impact of urban morphology on the perception of proximity and the use of public space

This study explores the applicability of the 15-minute city (15MC) model within the metropolitan areas of western European cities, with a particular focus on the role of urban form and public space design in shaping residents' perceptions and behaviors. While existing research on the 15MC has primarily taken a quantitative approach—measuring proximity to services—this study adopts a qualitative perspective. The first part of the research presents a comparative analysis of proximity-oriented initiatives in Paris, Barcelona, and Milan—primarily implemented in compact urban contexts—contrasted with Rome's 1990s Centopiazze program, which targeted more sprawling urban environments. The second part focuses specifically on the case of Rome, analyzing seven public space interventions carried out under the Centopiazze program across different neighborhoods and urban morphologies. These squares were evaluated through site visits and original surveys to incorporate residents' perceptions. Findings indicate that proximity—understood as access within a 15-minute radius—and availability of services alone are not sufficient to ensure that a public square becomes, or is perceived as, a vibrant and central neighborhood space. Rather, well-designed public spaces embedded within compact urban morphologies contribute to a stronger perception of local centrality and help reinforce the experience of proximity. This study seeks to enrich academic discourse on the 15MC by offering a new perspective that highlights the importance of spatial form and user perception, providing insights to support planning strategies that foster proximity at the metropolitan scale within the European context.