Economic Themes (2026) 64 (1) 2, 17-25
Claudia van der Laag, John Östh
Abstract: The 15-minute city, as a paradigm in contemporary urbanism, reflects a shift toward proximity, accessibility, and sustainability. This commentary discusses the potential of the space syntax approach to operationalise this concept by analysing how spatial configuration influences movement, economic activity, and urban vitality. Rooted in graph theory, space syntax conceptualises cities as networks of interconnected spaces, enabling the measurement of relational properties such as connectivity and centrality. Central to this discussion is Hillier’s theory of the natural movement economic process, which posits a causal relationship between spatial configuration, movement flows, and the distribution of economic activities. We highlight a conceptual distinction between accessibility – commonly defined by distance or travel time – and centrality, understood as the relational position of streets within a network. We argue that proximity alone is insufficient to ensure functional and vibrant neighbourhoods; instead, well-configured street networks are essential for sustaining movement and local economies. Furthermore, we situate space syntax within the broader smart city discourse, emphasising its role in bridging spatial design with data- driven urban planning. While acknowledging its limitations, we conclude that space syntax offers a valuable complementary framework for evaluating and refining the 15-minute city, thereby advancing a more nuanced and socio- spatially grounded understanding of urban accessibility.
Keywords: 15-minute city; smart city; space syntax; spatial centrality; accessibility
IS THE SPACE SYNTAX APPROACH USEFUL FOR THE 15-MINUTE CITY CONCEPT? A COMMENTARY
Claudia van der Laag, John Östh
Abstract: The 15-minute city, as a paradigm in contemporary urbanism, reflects a shift toward proximity, accessibility, and sustainability. This commentary discusses the potential of the space syntax approach to operationalise this concept by analysing how spatial configuration influences movement, economic activity, and urban vitality. Rooted in graph theory, space syntax conceptualises cities as networks of interconnected spaces, enabling the measurement of relational properties such as connectivity and centrality. Central to this discussion is Hillier’s theory of the natural movement economic process, which posits a causal relationship between spatial configuration, movement flows, and the distribution of economic activities. We highlight a conceptual distinction between accessibility – commonly defined by distance or travel time – and centrality, understood as the relational position of streets within a network. We argue that proximity alone is insufficient to ensure functional and vibrant neighbourhoods; instead, well-configured street networks are essential for sustaining movement and local economies. Furthermore, we situate space syntax within the broader smart city discourse, emphasising its role in bridging spatial design with data- driven urban planning. While acknowledging its limitations, we conclude that space syntax offers a valuable complementary framework for evaluating and refining the 15-minute city, thereby advancing a more nuanced and socio- spatially grounded understanding of urban accessibility.
Keywords: 15-minute city; smart city; space syntax; spatial centrality; accessibility
