Abstract

Proximity is a recurring concept in urban planning. Neighbourhood units (as defined by Clarence Perry), pedestrian pockets (proposed by Peter Calthorpe) and 15-minute cities (coined by Carlos Moreno) are just some of the definitions under which the idea of promoting places and lifestyles based on proximity emerges now and then in the academic, professional and public debate. Nonetheless, to implement such an urban model through urban plans and policies, it is necessary to address several dimensions, deal with potentially tricky definitions and recognize the range of action of proximity. We intend to introduce them briefly, discussing the who, what, where, when (and how) of strategies intended to promote sustainable neighbourhoods, cities and regions through proximity.