Integrating population preferences into the 15-minute city index: A study of spatial accessibility and equity in the historic city of Yazd

Urban planning in historic Yazd, Iran, faces significant spatial inequities, with essential services like healthcare and education concentrated in the city center while outskirts remain underserved. A study reveals no correlation between neighborhood density and accessibility to these services within a 15-minute walking distance, challenging assumptions about proximity-based urban design. By integrating local population preferences into a customized 15-minute city index, researchers identified distinct spatial patterns that highlight disparities in access. This approach offers a framework for targeted interventions to foster equitable, sustainable development, promoting healthy communities by prioritizing localized needs and patterns.

Yarahmadi, M., Saraei, M., & Nikpour, A. (2026). Integrating population preferences into the 15-minute city index: A study of spatial accessibility and equity in the historic city of Yazd. Journal of Transport & Health, 46, 102223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2025.102223