Properly designed and intelligent spaces translate into our well-being. When we have access to the necessary services, commercial and educational facilities, as well as public transport close to our place of residence, it promotes physical activity and saves free time. In addition, the ubiquitous green has a positive effect on our well-being, reducing the level of stress. Sounds like a dream? Such estates are being built in Poland, and a few of them – in GdaĆsk! ROBYG, promoting the concept of 15-minute cities, explains what an estate implementing this idea should look like.
The concept of 15-minute cities is extremely simple and has been known for a long time, and the experience of a pandemic and the climate crisis has made city authorities especially aware of its great value. Although projects compatible with it are implemented at the level of municipal governments, such as the Warsaw Housing Standard (which defines the rules for the construction of good-quality apartments, including the distance between green areas and the place of residence), standardized system solutions are not yet common. However, on a significant scale for large urban centers, the concept can be successfully implemented by developers – for years it has been successfully implemented by ROBYG, building housing estates in GdaĆsk, Warsaw, WrocĆaw, and recently also in PoznaĆ. The developer’s 15-minute housing estates allow for satisfying basic needs (such as grocery shopping, health care, training or a kindergarten for a child) within a quarter of an hour covered by bicycle or on foot.
The advantage of proximity:
In 15 minutes, a healthy person is able to cover 1 km, while making about 1000 steps. Having everything we need so close to home, we are not only more willing to leave the car in the parking lot (we save the stress of standing in traffic jams, our free time, more and more expensive fuel, and most importantly – the environment benefits from it), but also we mobilize ourselves to be physically active by choosing an ecological means of transport such as a bicycle or a scooter, or by taking a walk that is beneficial for our health. This is an important aspect in a society which – according to the latest MedOnet report – is in deteriorating health, both physically and mentally.
“We are a pioneer of a holistic approach to the design of urban space in Poland and we attach great importance to the social responsibility of our investments. 20 years of experience and researching opinions and preferences of our clients have allowed us to transfer the idea of ââ15-minute cities to the level of housing estates. The key to creating such an investment is focusing on intelligent and multifunctional spaces that offer a number of amenities within their area without having to go outside the estate, allowing residents to maintain a balance of life. This approach is reflected in our unique Human Balance standard. Currently, over 80% of our investments meet the assumptions of the idea of ââa 15-minute city, and by 2025 we plan to increase their share to 80%. Our ambition is also to spread knowledge about this idea and promote housing construction in line with it,” says Anna Wojciechowska, Head of ESG and Sales and Marketing Director of ROBYG in GdaĆsk and PoznaĆ.
The proximity of service points, shops, educational and medical institutions has a significant impact on minimizing the need to move to more distant parts of the city and translates into reducing pollutant emissions, but above all has a positive effect on the quality of life of the residents of the 15-minute housing estate.
Happy residents:
In Polish cities, as much as 77% of residents occupy premises in multi-family housing. We are struggling with a housing deficit, a shortage of land for development in cities and the problem of overcrowding at the same time – currently the share of the population living in overcrowded apartments in Poland is twice as high as the EU average. Therefore, it is extremely important that new multi-family estates strive for a balance between a dense and a friendly city. At the same time, they must be designed so that residents feel happy – in cities this feeling is influenced by, among others, access to entertainment and culture, environmental issues and the proximity of public transport and good access, according to research carried out on behalf of the Otodom website. A smart housing estate must also provide access to recreational areas or bicycle infrastructure, which helps in the daily cultivation of good habits, taking care of physical development, health and better well-being. If we have a local gym or a co-working zone in front of our house, we save time, but also strengthen neighborly relations.
Design better living spaces
One of the good examples of a functionally designed space in the concept of 15-minute cities is the Lawendowe WzgĂłrza investment, which consists of three neighboring they settled with each other in GdaĆsk JasieĆ. This ROBYG investment had a significant impact on the development of the district and the creation of a vibrant integrated housing estate.
“Lavender Hills is an investment that has been carefully thought out and is an extremely functional space. It is distinguished by an excellent location, it is surrounded by numerous green areas, well-kept recreational areas, with easy access to public transport. The complex of three housing estates covers a total area of âânearly 13 hectares and includes several playgrounds, many friendly walking paths, a multi-functional playground, relaxation zones, barbecue and bicycle paths. The investment creates a well-functioning space with a large number of services, cafes, shops, educational institutions and an extensive communication infrastructure. At ROBYG, we are aware that already at the design stage we have an influence on how the residents will function there and whether they will actually create an integrated environment of people who not only live, but also spend time together. That is why we focus on the development of infrastructure – places for recreation, gyms, playgrounds, or appropriate communication routes in the estate, which encourage comfortable walks. Road solutions are also important to us, as they affect the availability of the estate itself, including shops and service premises operating there. For the same reason, our estates are open – we invite them, not only residents. By creating meeting places such as cafes, shops, bakeries or post offices, we give the residents of the neighborhood a chance to meet and establish social relations,” explains Anna Wojciechowska from ROBYG.
Closer to nature:
The last, but very important factor that makes it easier for us to maintain a healthy balance in the city is easy access to green areas. This is confirmed by the report âMieszkaĆbym. What Poles expect from home ârealized by Think Co. Real Estate Research Lab, which clearly shows that green areas (squares, parks and forests) are currently the most frequently chosen parameter of the “dream apartment” among people looking for a new home or thinking about changing.
To sum up – it is worth choosing your place to live wisely, because smart housing estates can be a response to many contemporary problems and support us in maintaining a healthy balance in our daily activities.
Author: ROBYG and Q&A Communications
