Abstract

The paper “Regenerating Cities into Sustainable Cities: Implementing 15-Minute Strategies to Islamabad’s City Planning” explores the transformation of Islamabad into a sustainable urban environment through the adoption of the 15-minute city concept. The 15-minute city model emphasizes creating neighborhoods where essential services and amenities are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, promoting sustainability, reducing reliance on cars, and enhancing community well-being. The paper begins by discussing the origins of the 15-minute city concept, which aims to integrate all aspects of urban life-such as housing, workspaces, and recreational areas-within close proximity to reduce travel times and carbon emissions. The author highlights Islamabad’s potential to implement this model, despite its existing challenges like inadequate public transit, pedestrian pathways, and cycling infrastructure. To achieve the 15-minute city model in Islamabad, the paper proposes several strategies, including decentralizing core services, enhancing public transit systems, creating green and public spaces within each neighborhood, and ensuring the proximity of essential services. These strategies aim to foster community engagement, reduce environmental impact, and create a more livable urban environment.

Keywords: Carbon footprint reduction, Decentralized services, 15-minute city, Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, Sustainable urban planning