VIRTUAL London.

Abstract

Over the last decades, the application of internet-based technologies has been contributing to the creation of responsive and ‘smarter’ urban spaces in which constant real-time data exchange takes place. This connects the various stakeholders with the built environment and generates responsive loops which enhance citizens’ daily routine by integrating the physical and digital layers of reality. Despite such technological advances in the field of Information and Communication (ICT), several criticalities persist, and transportation still plays a key role by entailing pollution, congestion, and subsequent stress. A more efficient, safe, and sustainable approach to urban mobility is required, and while public transport plays a crucial role, the implementation of shared services proves to be a promising alternative to the use of privately-owned vehicles. In this respect, governments and local administrations often plan multiple actions and collaborate with private companies to address persisting travel issues and improve commuters’ daily lives. However, a variety of context-specific factors determines the success of mobility services, making it necessary to tailor customised solutions that address the needs and ambitions of specific urban settings. The paper intends to investigate possible pathways to the application of ground-breaking technologies – such as autonomous driving and electrified powertrains – and the creation of networks for collaboration around the topics of multi-modal transport, sustainability, and social policies. The argument is that by involving local stakeholders within the early stages of the ideation process, it would be possible to inform virtuous bottom-up design approaches that lead to the conception of micro-mobility solutions and ultimately enhance the liveability of specific urban contexts.