IN-PERSON Barcelona. Section A

Abstract

Over the last twenty years, the application of internet-based information and communication technologies (ICTs) has been contributing to the creation of ‘smarter’ urban spaces, where constant real-time data exchange generates responsive loops which enhance citizens’ daily life. Furthermore, real time data access enables the creation of a multitude of services and adds an invisible interactive layer to the physical dimension of the cities. In this digitally enhanced society, several criticalities persist, and transportation still plays a key role by entailing pollution, congestion, and subsequent stress on travellers and the transport infrastructure. As a result, local administrations strive to challenge well-established consumption paradigms and achieve more sustainable futures through context-specific strategic projects. These increasingly expand the boundaries of service orientated transportation design and urban planning to achieve a safer, more efficient, and sustainable approach to city mobility. By applying ground-breaking technologies and service-based approaches to mobility, it will be possible to promote an easier access to services, whilst reducing inequalities, which is one of the social benefits to move towards the operating model of a smart city for all users. The paper intends to investigate possible pathways to participatory design approaches in the creation of networks for collaboration around the topics of multi-modal sustainable transport and social policies. The argument is that by involving local stakeholders – e.g. communities, administrations, and experts – in the early stages of research and ideation process, it would be possible to conceive efficient and strategic micro-mobility proposals which challenge homogenising forces of globalisation and enhance the liveability of specific urban contexts in the foreseeable future.