Rapidly evolving innovations: Anticipating a driverless city - by David Piscuskas
AIA New York and 1100 Architect
The way we move in cities has never changed so dramatically, so quickly. Rapidly evolving innovations in mobility technology and transportation systems necessitate fundamental changes in the way cities approach policy-making, stakeholder engagement, and urban design and infrastructure. The advent of autonomous vehicles, electrification of fleets and the rise of ride-share promises to make streets safer, reduce energy consumption, decrease congestion, and allow for redevelopment of underused auto-centric land, but only if civic leaders approach these changes with well-developed plans and visions for their cities.
Urban planning and design must focus on how to connect people and places by creating cities with a deliberate focus on accessibility, not simply increasing the volume of urban transportation infrastructure and the movement of people and goods. For many cities, planning and design strategies through this lens may constitute a conceptual leap for new transportation project development. It is essential that city stakeholders can articulate a clear, comprehensive vision for these projects.
Mobility revolutions demand a new kind of planning framework - one that is inclusive, holistic, and in partnership with multiple stakeholders. Successful implementation of these new mobility systems requires effective and strategic communication from public and private sector leaders. Citizens should understand the urgent need to plan for and implement changes to city infrastructure and systems with the advent of AV technology.
With the introduction of these new technologies, it is imperative that cities be prepared to create sound policy and design public space that supports access to transportation for all communities. A revolution in urban mobility has the potential to provide everyone with equal access to opportunity. Equity needs to be more than just a slogan. It must be deliberately embedded in the intent and practice of city planning. Cities must provide an equal platform for the dynamic exchange of ideas that lead to personal, economic, and social innovation.
New mobility must ensure safe travel for all, especially the most vulnerable, whether traveling, in or out of a vehicle. Safety is a fundamental right, and we all must work towards achieving the goal of zero deaths or major injuries. We must also work to protect and promote physical and mental well-being by encouraging active movement, promoting clean air and water, and creating opportunities for positive human interaction. Whether promoting adaptive reuse of parking structures and parking lots, redesigning public rights-of-way that prioritize bicycles and pedestrians access, or better connecting transportation hubs regionally, New York City is positioned to lead by example.
That’s why on December 1st, AIANY hosted a full day symposium entitled “Anticipating the Driverless City,” designed to help shape New York City’s discussion on urban transportation, support the growing network of thought leaders around urban mobility issues, and examine actionable strategies for government officials and urban designers. The symposium brought together thought leaders from across New York City representing industry, government, design and advocacy to discuss recommendations, strategies, and ideas that lead to the best outcomes for our citizens.
The need is urgent. Technology moves rapidly while public and social change is often slow. We must lay the groundwork today to ensure a successful, sustainable tomorrow where all can thrive. We must get it right now, as streets, places, and projects built today will remain for decades. Municipalities have power. They must address this place-based challenge and succeed through comprehensive and authentic community engagement, innovative public-private partnerships that support financing, implementation, and a commitment to streets as a public resource for more and better mobility for all.
David Piscuskas, FAIA, LEED AP is the 2017 president of AIA New York and the founding partner at 1100 Architect, New York, N.Y.