Awareness and knowledge levels of engineering and planning students and practitioners about the 15-minute city concept in a developing country

Abstract

This study aimed at understanding the awareness and knowledge levels of planning and engineering students and practitioners about the 15-Minute City concept (FMC). The three main objectives were to determine the awareness levels, factors affecting the awareness levels and the knowledge level about FMC. A questionnaire survey was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, which included questions on the respondents’ demographics, and their awareness and knowledge about FMC. The collected data were analyzed using various statistical analysis techniques to achieve the objectives of the study. The results indicated that a high number of respondents did not have awareness about the FMC concept. Ordinal regression model indicated that type of degree and numbers of seminars attended had a significant influence on the awareness levels. Those having or pursuing planning degrees had higher awareness about FMC than those with engineering degrees. Those who attended more number of seminars on urban and transport planning had higher levels of awareness about FMC as compared to those with lower number of seminars. Civil and Transportation Engineers play an important role in the planning and development of cities, however, they were found to have lower awareness levels. The results of this study can be used to determine how the awareness level of planners and engineers can be increased about more sustainable solutions including FMC.