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Urbanization and Drivers for Dual Capital City: Assessment of Urban Planning Principles and Indicators for a ‘15-Minute City’

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  • Mohsen Aboulnaga

    (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt)

  • Fatma Ashour

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt)

  • Maryam Elsharkawy

    (Department of Architectural Engineering, German International University (GIU), New Administrative Capital 4824208, Egypt)

  • Elena Lucchi

    (Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Architettura (DICAr), University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
    Dipartimento di Architettura, Ingegneria delle Costruzione e Ambiente Costruito (ABC), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy)

  • Sarah Gamal

    (Department of Architecture, Higher Technological Institute, 10th of Ramadan City 44629, Egypt)

  • Aya Elmarakby

    (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt)

  • Shahenda Haggagy

    (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt)

  • Noureen Karar

    (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt)

  • Nourhan H. Khashaba

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt)

  • Ahmed Abouaiana

    (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Sinai University, Kantara Campus, Ismailia 41636, Egypt)

Abstract

Cities, particularly megacities, face significant challenges in transitioning toward sustainability. Many countries have developed dual or multiple capitals for diverse purposes (e.g., political, administrative, economic, touristic, and cultural). Limited research exists on the ‘15-minute city’ (15-MC) concept, particularly in regions like Middle East and North Africa (MENA region). This study evaluates the application of the ‘15-MC’ concept globally and regionally to derive Urban Planning Principles (UPPs) and indicators for livability and accessibility. Using a theoretical framework supported by site visits and quantitative assessments, the research examines two districts in the NAC as case studies. Key UPPs (e.g., proximity to services, mixed-use development, public transport, green spaces, community engagement, local economy, and sustainability) were evaluated along with walkability scores, bike infrastructure, and environmental impact indicators. The results reveal that most services in the two districts are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. However, essential facilities (e.g., universities and hospitals) exceed this threshold (20–30 min). The green area per inhabitant (17 m 2 /capita) meets WHO and European recommendations. The NAC has clean, green public transportation and 94.26 km of cycling lanes. For the sustainability indicator, air pollutants (PM 10 and NO 2 ) slightly exceed the WHO guidelines, but SO 2 and Ozone levels are below the limits. The estimated waste per capita (274 kg) is lower than Cario and other counties. The findings suggest the NAC has the potential to fulfill the 15-MC concept through mixed-use developments, accessibility, and sustainable planning. This study serves for future research and modeling of the NAC when it is fully occupied.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohsen Aboulnaga & Fatma Ashour & Maryam Elsharkawy & Elena Lucchi & Sarah Gamal & Aya Elmarakby & Shahenda Haggagy & Noureen Karar & Nourhan H. Khashaba & Ahmed Abouaiana, 2025. "Urbanization and Drivers for Dual Capital City: Assessment of Urban Planning Principles and Indicators for a ‘15-Minute City’," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-50, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:382-:d:1589184
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    References listed on IDEAS

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