Accessibility Challenges in the 15-Minute City Concept for People with Disabilities in Timișoara, România

Proximity-oriented planning aims to deliver everyday services within a short walk, yet closeness does not guarantee usable access for all residents. This study quantifies the gap between spatial proximity and functional accessibility in Timișoara, România, focusing on people with mobility and visual impairments. A three-stage analysis was conducted to evaluate accessibility to public amenities. First, (1) a survey was conducted with 605 respondents to identify distinct accessibility priorities based on 15-Minute City core dimensions defined by Carlos Moreno and adapted afterwards to the city context and needs. In the second stage (2), GIS mapping (radial buffers and isochrones) revealed major disparities among non-disabled residents and residents with mobility and visual impairments. Coverage decreased substantially across amenities under reduced-speed scenarios and after excluding wheelchair-inaccessible destinations. In the third stage (3), field-observed pedestrian routes in three areas of Timișoara were examined against the top-ranked criteria for each group, using the items sourced from the previous survey and grounded in the 15-Minute City concept. The route scoring is exploratory and specific to this context. The findings confirmed recurrent functional barriers, especially for vulnerable groups. These results expose a proximity-accessibility gap, where apparent nearness masks physical or sensory barriers. A shift toward experience-based accessibility planning is needed to ensure that proximity is not only spatial, but also usable by all and inclusive.