Building-Level Accessibility in a 20-Minute Town: A Case Study of Singapore

Abstract: The concept of 10, 15, or 20-minute towns is gaining prominence in urban and transport planning, with the primary objective of reducing traffic emissions and promoting human health by encouraging walking and cycling. The Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) has articulated a vision of “20-Minute Towns and a 45-Minute City” within its Land Transport Master Plan 2024. In the initial phase of this goal, residents are expected to access their nearest neighborhood centers and essential destinations within 20 minutes, facilitated by the collaborative development of urban and transport systems by 2024. To examine the current status and the extent to which Singapore aligns with the 20-minute town target, this study focused on assessing building-level accessibility.

Firstly, residential building footprints were extracted from land use data and OpenStreetMap (OSM) to create a comprehensive representation of activity origins. Subsequently, 20-minute walk-, cycle- or ride-isochrones, centering on residential buildings, were computed using GIS tools, delineating the areas reachable within this timeframe. Following this, point of interest (POI) data were collected to represent destinations necessary for daily activities. These POIs included various categories of essential amenities and services such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, recreational areas, and public transport facilities. To comprehend the urban functional context of the numerous POIs, a geographical Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model was proposed to mine latent urban functions implied from the collected POI data. This advanced analytical technique identifies underlying patterns and clusters of urban activities, with the latent variables indicating distinct urban functions.

Based on the latent components of building-level accessibility, the current status of Singapore’s urban accessibility was comprehensively analyzed. The findings highlighted areas with high accessibility, where residents can easily reach diverse services and amenities within a 20-minute walk, cycle, or ride. Conversely, regions with limited accessibility were identified, indicating where residents face challenges in accessing essential services without longer commutes. Furthermore, the study advocates adopting mixed-use development principles to create vibrant neighborhoods where residential, commercial, and recreational functions coexist. This approach can significantly reduce the need for long commutes, fostering a more sustainable and livable urban environment. Implementing green infrastructure, such as parks and green corridors, within the 20-minute isochrones, can also enhance the quality of life by providing accessible recreational spaces.

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of building-level accessibility in Singapore, aligning with the 20-minute town vision. The findings underscore the need for strategic interventions to enhance accessibility, promote mixed-use development, and create pedestrian-friendly environments. By addressing these aspects, Singapore can progress towards realizing the 20-minute town, ensuring a high quality of life and sustainable urban development for its residents.