COURSE
INNOVATIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
University of Basel, Urban Studies, MA Critical Urbanisms, Fall 23
CAR SHARING
SHAPING THE SUSTAINABLE CITY AND MOBILITY OF THE FUTURE
MOBILE FUTURE
The world population is increasing rapidly, and by 2030, an estimated 60 percent of people will live in metropolises. How to transport these people is one of the most pressing challenges of the future, as well as today. Addressing this requires an interdisciplinary network that brings creative thinkers together for the mobility of the future. Architects, urban planners, designers, programmers, and sociologists must collaborate toward this goal. Joint discussions should focus on analyzing mobility in megacities and proposing viable solutions.
In this context, the concept of car sharing emerges as a significant topic. The aim of car sharing should be to integrate possibilities for a sustainable and mobile future. In some cities, there is a need for the flexible and spontaneous use of cars, while in others, the priority is seamless mobility that combines various modes of transport. In all cases, intelligent communication between cars, cities, and people must be taken into account. Furthermore, these solutions should encompass social, personal, environmental, and aesthetic dimensions alongside technical considerations.
Mobility and access to services are vital for cities to function efficiently as they grow. Efficiency and sustainability are key factors for the future. Mobility contributes not only to the livability of cities but also to their economic potential. In this sense, car sharing plays an important role in fostering collective thinking and community awareness.
THE HEAVY COLLECTIVE COSTS OF CARS
Over time, the collective costs of cars have become abundantly clear: uncontrolled urban sprawl, air and noise pollution, climate change, pedestrian safety concerns, and accidents are just some of the consequences. Modern urban planning bears responsibility for this. Urban design should prioritize bringing people and places together in the most effective ways by creating cities focused on accessibility rather than merely expanding the length and capacity of transportation infrastructure designed for automobiles.
The mobility of the future must be better planned—sustainable, efficient, and safer for everyone and everything. For the new generation, the car no longer holds significance as an individual status symbol. With shifting values, luxury has taken a back seat in favor of principles like sharing over ownership and integration into sustainable mobility systems. New needs have emerged, such as establishing seamless networks within society and fostering deeper interactions with the environment. These changes will pave the way for a new understanding of cars and systems of use and sharing that make this transition possible. The evolving role of the car in society, shaped by sharing, will open up new opportunities for individual forms of mobility.
Manufacturers have already mastered the functional aspects of the car. Producing vehicles that blend speed, freedom, and luxury should no longer be their primary goal. Instead, they should focus on designing cars for a sustainable and ecological future, with collective use at the heart of their systems and programs.
EFFICIENT CARS
Connecting with users is more important than ever in the realm of car sharing. With user needs becoming increasingly complex, keeping users involved in the design process and offering greater diversity and personalization are crucial steps in this evolution.
In car sharing, the interaction between cars, people, each other, and the city has become paramount. As cars integrate further into urban networks, infrastructure, and systems, their influence on urban planning will only grow. Car sharing plays a significant role in optimizing this impact.
Emerging technologies and production methods have the potential to create innovative architectural platforms for cars, enabling more efficient sharing. The car is still evolving, and future sustainable mobility may redefine its place and role in human life. Cars designed for sharing should prioritize flexibility, smart networking, and communication solutions, ensuring they integrate seamlessly into urban environments.
Looking ahead, the conversation will move beyond cars solely for individual use; we will encounter new and diverse forms of mobility. In this context, car sharing must also foster the development of new concepts, lifestyles, and creative ideas that prioritize people’s needs. Future car sharing is not just about meeting mechanical and economic requirements; it is about reshaping how mobility is perceived and how these insights can shape future transportation scenarios, systems, and programs.
SHARING INSTEAD OF OWNING
Improving the transportation system involves researching future expectations through the lens of past experiences. This can be achieved through creative, sustainable, and shared ideas. When it comes to car sharing, companies must design features that reflect people’s desires, balancing design and functionality. In this context, customization, comfort, and the interaction between the car and the user will play pivotal roles. Systematic accessibility and flexibility are essential, along with user-friendly interfaces, increased interior space, and a sustainable approach that addresses economic, social, and environmental responsibilities. Cars of the future should also meet personal expectations for design while supporting shared use.
People want to travel more safely, quietly, and efficiently, spending time on what truly matters to them rather than on the cars themselves. The type of energy powering these journeys will be crucial, emphasizing efficient access, storage, and sharing of this energy.
As a guiding principle, car sharing should be viewed as a method of building a transportation system centered on flexibility, customizability, and security. This system should derive its power from emission-free energy sources, operate silently within the city, adapt its interior and exterior to passenger needs, and provide seamless access to communication channels.
NEW CONCEPTS
MAXIMUM INTEGRATION
It offers convenient circulation and parking facilities, a flexible and customizable spatial setup, and access to specific communities based on individual preferences.
It enables remote access and configurations via the internet and incorporates smart charging methods for electric cars.
It prioritizes passenger safety, fosters visual and auditory interaction with the outside world, relies on sustainable energy sources, and shares this energy with other cars when necessary.
It allows for personalization to better align with users’ preferences and ensures seamless integration between cars, connectivity, and information systems.
It adapts to users' needs through modular, adaptable, and open platforms.
It provides the opportunity to drive various cars without the responsibilities of ownership.
It reimagines the car as a product by creating shared ownership models aimed at reducing the number of cars in urban environments as part of a service-based approach.
It strives to lower user costs by eliminating ownership expenses, parking fees, and maintenance costs, applying a shared ownership methodology.
It creates new opportunities for socialization and discovery for users.
It establishes a symbiotic relationship between cars and architecture, fostering mutual benefits in energy use.
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