The development of a resident-centric neighborhood in the context of the 15-minute city concept and green infrastructure: a case study of Skotniki in Krakow

This paper presents a contemporary approach to the development of residential neighborhoods in the context of the 15-minute city concept and green infrastructure, with an emphasis on residents’ well-being. The aim of the study is to assess the extent to which the principles of a compact city have been implemented, using Skotniki in Kraków, a peripheral district undergoing intensive spatial transformation, as an example. A supplementary/specific objective of the study is to analyze residents’ perceptions regarding the accessibility of local services and green spaces – using the example of Skotniki in Kraków, a peripheral area undergoing intense spatial transformation – with particular emphasis on the continuity and fragmentation of green infrastructure. The theoretical section discusses the evolution of the concept of a human-centered city and the importance of service accessibility, active mobility, and green infrastructure as factors that shape quality of life. The importance of integrating spatial, transportation, and environmental policies into the planning process was emphasized.

The findings point to the need to improve service accessibility at the local level, develop public transportation and active mobility, and strengthen the role of green infrastructure as an integral part of the urban fabric. A stable planning policy and the integration of spatial, social, and environmental measures are also of key importance in the process of transforming outlying neighborhoods.