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DomusAir’s issue No. 12 delves into the dynamic trends influencing urban environments today, with a keen focus on intermodality, sustainability and mobility challenges faced by cities worldwide. Through a series of compelling articles and interviews by experts in the field, this edition uncovers innovative solutions and pivotal discussions that redefine urban landscapes and future-proof for resilient and sustainable cities.
Industry Insights
How do I want to live? What do I need? What can I afford? How do we want to ‘live’ the city? What do we need? What costs can be borne? Infrastructure is considered a sort of ‘necessary evil’ to keep cities running. It is invasive, made of steel and cement, it increases public spending, and is responsible for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions. EY provides a comprehensive framework for reimagining infrastructure as more than just a functional necessity. Key figures at EY, Donato Ferri and Andrea Scotti, integrate insights from global clients and leverage technological advancements to outline essential factors for creating infrastructure that not only meets current needs but also anticipates and supports the demands of future generations.
In parallel, Terry Rookard, Senior Vice President at AECOM, showcases Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal E as a beacon of sustainable airport design. The terminal’s prismatic red roof, designed to change color with natural light, symbolizes innovation in both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Beyond its striking appearance, Terminal E embodies sustainability principles through features like photovoltaic glass and dynamic shading systems. These technologies not only harness solar power but also enhance passenger comfort and reduce the terminal’s environmental footprint, aiming for LEED Gold certification.
Engaging Opinions
“People often ask me how much and in what ways is data truly being used today to improve people’s lives in cities. Perhaps the questions would be better phrased: what areas of the city are not using data?” Sarah E. Williams, Associate Professor at MIT, talks about the potential of data in urban environments. She discusses how data permeates every aspect of city life, from traffic management to healthcare services, offering insights that can significantly enhance the quality of our lives. However, Williams also warns about the potential dangers of data misuse, such as algorithmic biases that could lead to social exclusion and reinforce inequalities. She advocates for a conscientious approach to data use, ensuring that it promotes inclusivity and equitable urban development.
Talking about data; Prof. Barbara Adele Piga and Prof. Marco Boffi share details of how the exp-EIA© (Experiential – Environmental Impact Assessment) ecosystem, developed by the Politecnico di Milano and the University of Milan, combines physical and digital tools to support urban design. The model collects data on psychological, behavioral, and environmental aspects to create more inclusive and livable spaces. They go on to discuss how the most notable application of this method was in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, under the “UN4UkrainianCities” initiative, where a survey revealed the community’s strong attachment to its historical districts. These insights gathered are now crucial for the city’s post-conflict reconstruction, ensuring that redevelopments respect local identity and heritage while fostering adaptable urban environments.
In an interview, Armando Brunini, CEO of SEA Milan Airports and President of ACI Europe, underscores the critical role of connectivity in improving the attractiveness and functionality of airports. He discusses ongoing efforts towards airport decarbonization, including initiatives like the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) and sustainable integration of aviation fuels. Brunini emphasizes the importance of intermodality, particularly the synergy between air travel and high-speed rail, to improve accessibility and reduce carbon emissions, highlighting the new M4 metro line Milan.
A proactive approach to renewable energy deployment, positioning solar power and hydrogen as cornerstones of a sustainable energy future is later discussed in the issue. Marco Alverà, a prominent figure in the energy sector, discusses how he has decided to stake his bets on hydrogen after an extensive career with Eni, Enel and Snam. He sees hydrogen as a versatile fuel easily stored, transported intermodally, and applicable across various industries, including traditionally fossil fuel-dependent sectors like heavy transport and industrial manufacturing.
Connectivity Case Studies
In this issue, we also shine a spotlight on three critical projects in Madrid, Toulouse and Tallinn, each focused on urban connectivity:
Lastly, Scientific Director of DomusAir, Giulio De Carli, provides a visionary outlook in this latest issue, highlighting the essential role of infrastructure in navigating today’s complex global challenges. As our world evolves amidst paradigms and environmental concerns, the integration of digital advancements with physical infrastructure emerges as a critical pathway towards sustainability.
Pick up your copy with the latest edition of Domus Magazine and follow some of the key stories at DomusWeb.it.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) is swiftly becoming a pivotal subject across various sectors, including the realms of the built environment, infrastructure, and construction.
The tenth edition of Domus Air, a publication by Editoriale Domus with Scientific Direction from the Oneworks Foundation, explores the contemporary issues related to climate change.
