Why Urban Design Matters in the Age of Autonomous Vehicles

Urban design has been an essential aspect of city planning for decades, but it is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Witnessing how street design affects retail activity, livability, active transportation, and human connections, I have become even more passionate about urban design. In particular, my experience living in Barcelona's urban super-blocks highlighted the potential of traffic redistribution through simple changes in speed limits, demonstrating that cities can enhance livability by reimagining public spaces.

The Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Urban Life

The emergence of autonomous vehicles presents both challenges and opportunities for urban design. Traditional thinking around these vehicles focuses on maximizing in-car time through holographic dashboards, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). While these technologies aim to improve the AV experience, they risk displacing public life from pedestrian corridors to private vehicles. This trend could lead to a more solitary urban environment, highlighting the need for cities to rethink street design to accommodate both real-time AVs and urban street life.

Dynamic Paving and Future Street Design

Recognizing the need for adaptability, companies like Google Sidewalk Labs are experimenting with dynamic paving solutions. Imagine a road surface that changes throughout the day based on pedestrian, automobile, or transit activity. During peak traffic hours, the pavement could be designed to accommodate restaurant tables or temporary parking spaces for delivery vehicles, shifting to a more open layout for evening traffic. This dynamic approach not only caters to the needs of autonomous vehicles but also enhances the vibrancy of the streets.

Future Urban Activity and Economic Transactions

As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, urban activity patterns are likely to shift. Economic transactions could be more evenly distributed throughout the day as people can more flexibly allocate their time based on their strengths and needs. This shift towards a more flexible lifestyle will create a dynamic urban environment where time appears limitless, leading to a potentially chaotic yet vibrant urban landscape. These changes necessitate a renewed focus on urban design that prepares cities for a post-single occupancy vehicle (SOV) world.

Augmented Reality for Urban Design Planning

In response to these challenges, I have created Complete Streets AR, an augmented reality (AR) platform that assists cities in planning urban design in a future that includes autonomous vehicles. By leveraging AR, urban planners and designers can visualize and test different scenarios, optimizing street layouts for both pedestrians and AVs. This tool not only aids in the planning process but also engages the public in the decision-making process, ensuring that the needs of all city residents are considered.

Conclusion

The timing is right to begin planning urban design interventions in a post-SOV world. As we move towards a future dominated by autonomous vehicles, cities must innovate and adapt to maintain vibrant, livable, and connected urban environments. By embracing dynamic paving, augmented reality, and forward-thinking urban design, cities can ensure that they remain relevant and engaging places for all their residents.