Sustainable Mobility and Resilient Urban Spaces in the United Kingdom. Practices and Proposals

Abstract

The development of integrated and multi-scalar regeneration strategies focused on public space and involving innovated mobility, environmental and historic networks is a key issue of international references and an actual challenge of pandemic and social distancing measures. The innovation of urban planning and design toward multi-scalar and integrated methodological and operational references is the topic of a research and didactic path carried out at Sapienza University, focused on the regeneration of infrastructure and public space networks. In this framework, United Kingdom represents an interesting field of study for the conditions that have recently led to an efficient cooperation model among local authorities, aimed at achieving sustainable common goals. A shared territorial governance that promotes the integrated management of soil, water and biological resources from an eco-systemic perspective. A collaborative planning approach based on a responsible, inclusive and sustainable strategy for the construction and networking of new resilient urban spaces, green infrastructures and new forms of sustainable mobility. The networking of green spaces, waterfronts and cycle paths represent a resilient response to cities’ regeneration for the contribution provided by ecosystem services in increasing health and well-being and a greater adaptability to climate change. The paper aims to illustrate the main methodological and operational references, case studies and results of the research and didactic path focused on multiscalarity and integration of planning and projects through the design of public space along blue and green networks in the United Kingdom. Key concepts that link together the phases of contextualization of the national planning background, the analysis of ongoing regeneration practices on waterfronts and the experimentation related to a regeneration proposal for King’s Lynn, in Norfolk County (England). Research and practices that integrate green, blue and grey infrastructures addressing the UN Agenda 2030 and the National Planning Policy Framework of England.