Diverse Opportunity Potential through Geographic Accessibility Modeling as a Basis for Planning towards the 15-Minute City and Spatial Justice

Authors

  • Juan Esteban Aristizábal Salazar Grupo de Investigación en Movilidad Sostenible – GIMS. Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Manizales (Manizales, Colombia). jaristizabals@unal.edu.co Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5859-1649
  • Santiago Wagenaars Rincón Grupo de Investigación en Movilidad Sostenible – GIMS. Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Manizales (Manizales, Colombia). swagenaars@unal.edu.co Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6614-5577
  • Diego Alexander Escobar Garcia Grupo de Investigación en Movilidad Sostenible – GIMS. Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Manizales (Manizales, Colombia). daescobarga@unal.edu.co Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9194-1831

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70917/fce-2025-033

Keywords:

spatial equity, urban services, proximity, urban mobility, geographic accessibility

Abstract

Many cities are currently rethinking their urban planning with the aim of prioritizing proximity between places of residence and essential services. This approach, promoted mainly in European countries under the concept of the “15-minute city,” seeks to minimize travel times through the use of active modes of transport, such as walking and cycling. To achieve this, a balanced redistribution of urban services is proposed, harmonizing land use with improvements in active transportation infrastructure. However, in Latin America, urban development continues to favor fragmentation, with growth that relies on long commutes and encourages reliance on private vehicles, undermining public transport systems and limiting access to sustainable modes. This study evaluates pedestrian accessibility in the city of Manizales (Colombia), applying a cumulative opportunities potential (COP) model for six types of facilities. The results show a concentration of services in central areas and a marked spatial inequality affecting urban peripheries. To reduce the socio-spatial gap and improve the quality of life, it is suggested to promote proximity policies that improve the distribution of opportunities and strengthen walking access for all inhabitants. 

 

Author Biographies

  • Juan Esteban Aristizábal Salazar, Grupo de Investigación en Movilidad Sostenible – GIMS. Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Manizales (Manizales, Colombia). jaristizabals@unal.edu.co

    Researcher in urban mobility and transportation systems at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. He is an advisor to the Departmental Transit Unit of Caldas in mobility data analysis, road safety and Geographic Information Systems. He is a Master's student in Engineering with emphasis in Infrastructure and Transportation Systems and holds a degree in Civil Engineering with specialization in Roads and Transportation.

    His experience is focused on spatial and mobility data analysis, transportation modeling and the application of geographic data sciences, both in the public and private sectors. He has worked as a consultant in mobility and urban planning and has published three scientific articles and is developing new research in the field.

  • Santiago Wagenaars Rincón, Grupo de Investigación en Movilidad Sostenible – GIMS. Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Manizales (Manizales, Colombia). swagenaars@unal.edu.co
    Researcher in urban mobility and city studies. A Civil Engineering student with a focus on urban research and transportation systems, the researcher has participated as a speaker at several national and international conferences in the fields of transportation and mobility. Their academic work focuses on the analysis of urban mobility, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and transportation systems, with a particular interest in understanding cities through scientific research. They are developing expertise in transportation systems, contributing to a deeper understanding of spatial justice and promoting sustainable and equitable transportation solutions.
  • Diego Alexander Escobar Garcia, Grupo de Investigación en Movilidad Sostenible – GIMS. Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Manizales (Manizales, Colombia). daescobarga@unal.edu.co

    Professor and researcher at the Civil Engineering Department of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Manizales, since 2001. He is a Civil Engineer from the same institution, with a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering - Road Infrastructure and Transport from the Universidad de los Andes and a PhD in Land Management and Transport Infrastructure from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. His academic and professional career focuses on the development of solutions for land management and sustainable mobility.

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2025-09-09 — Updated on 2026-10-19

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Diverse Opportunity Potential through Geographic Accessibility Modeling as a Basis for Planning towards the 15-Minute City and Spatial Justice. (2026). Future Cities and Environment, 11. https://doi.org/10.70917/fce-2025-033 (Original work published 2025)