MBRDI Launches 15-Minute Neighborhood Guidelines - News

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) has partnered with the Jana Urban Space Foundation to launch design guidelines for ‘Building 15-Minute Neighborhoods’, addressing the need for sustainable urban planning. 

Indian neighborhoods, with their diverse population densities and socio-economic features, will benefit from efficient spatial development and improved mobility. The global concept of 15-minute neighborhoods and the ‘Move-Play-Sustain-Include’ framework aim to make most amenities accessible within a 15-minute walk or cycle, promoting high-quality pedestrian and public transport systems, safe public spaces, and inclusive social infrastructure. 

Prof Rajeev Gowda, Former Member of Parliament and Former Vice Chairman, Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission (KSPPC), highlighted the urgency of addressing urban issues like water crises and traffic through proactive, grassroots solutions. Rakesh Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Government of Karnataka, emphasized the need for tailored solutions for each neighborhood to combat the pressures of rapid urbanization in cities like Bengaluru. Nithya Ramesh, Director, Jana Urban Space Foundation, stressed the importance of focusing on communities and neighborhoods as the foundation of urban development. 

Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, underscored the importance of sustainability in enhancing urban life through innovative solutions. The design guidelines include studies from neighborhoods in Bengaluru like Whitefield, Malleswaram, Indiranagar, and Chickpete. The piloted model will be developed for Nallurhalli, Bengaluru.