Flows.
Modelling Mobility
A NET Lab project
Flows. Modelling mobility is the title of the thematic blog set up by NET Lab, the applied research centre and the first opportunity for reflection on flows in Italy, i.e. movement of goods, people, ideas, cultures and innovation, and the infrastructure for integrated mobility.
Not just flows but also mobility and design will be discussed, giving a precise angle to contributions, involving authors from different backgrounds and different sectors, with the aim of offering readers the multiple points of view necessary to deal with the complexity that the world of infrastructure sets before the designers today.
Innovative experimentation, integrated design processes, cutting-edge instrumentation and procedures, the involvement of different disciplines and the consideration of the experience of users, the population and the area hosting infrastructure works are some of the topics that turn Flows. Modelling mobility into a virtual place with applied research at its core.
The blog divides the subject of flows into five topical areas:
Open distance. European high-speed corridors, large infrastructure networks, ports, airports, intercontinental exchange centres (of goods, people, ideas, etc.).
Urban mobility. The interconnections and intermodal nature of surface and underground transport in urban systems, the intersection with regional and high-speed lines connections between towns, the new high-technology solutions for urban mobility, traffic regulation, and the management of flows in stations, undergrounds, etc.
Visual modelling. New tools and integrated design processes: what are the developments, opportunities and risks? What are the changes and benefits compared to the past? What are the difficulties in use and dissemination among professionals?
Travel experience. The user’s experience must have a central role from the very first stages in the design of infrastructure. How much are users prepared to pay for the quality of the service (Wi-Fi, comfort, additional services in stations or airports)? How much attention do they pay to the relationship of the infrastructure with the surrounding landscape and the area hosting it?
Collective ingenuity. The topical area on the theme of collective ingenuity enables a reflection taking two separate directions:
- the project – every project – benefits from the co-operation between professionals from different sectors. Communication between different disciplines and specialisms generates complete projects able to give a better response to the complex problems that designers of infrastructure have to deal with today;
- public discussion is essential from the very beginning of the infrastructure project because it enables stakeholders and townspeople to be involved in the decision-making process. This is a “two-way communication process which provides a mechanism for the exchange of information and stimulates the interaction between stakeholders and the project team. It is a tool that gives guarantees to local communities and legitimises political decisions.” (E. Cascetta, F. Pagliara, Le infrastrutture di trasporto in Italia, Aracne, 2015).
For in-depth analyses, click here