Exploring residential developments built from 1960 to 1980 in Kraków in the context of the 15-minute city concept

The 15-minute city concept is gaining traction as urban planners worldwide seek solutions to combat climate change and create more pedestrianfriendly environments. Its core idea is that residents should have access to essential services within a short walking distance – typically 15 minutes. During the communist era, many residential developments were designed as “structural housing units” – self-contained residential areas that included all basic facilities (such as services, leisure, and transport) within a 500-meter radius. This research aims to compare these two visions. The study examines pedestrian accessibility to selected services in three residential developments in Kraków, Poland, built between 1960 and 1980, and evaluates whether these developments meet the requirements of the 15-minute city. First, amenities from selected categories were mapped. Then, access paths were analyzed to determine the longest routes from residential buildings to the nearest facility of each type. Combining these two aspects provided insights into the spatial and functional characteristics of each development. The results indicate that most of the amenities are accessible within a 15-minute walk, suggesting that these developments share many features of 15-minute city components. This finding reframes the legacy of communist-era housing estates, positioning them as valuable elements of modern urban structures. The analysis could serve as a useful guideline for city planners engaged in complex modernization projects or for private investors seeking to identify and address gaps in urban functionality.