The discussion surrounding shared infrastructure has gained notoriety in recent years as
the Sharing Economy phenomenon has entered the urban field, aided by Smart city
solutions that enable this modern lifestyle. There is broad consensus that a more collective
and inclusive approach is needed. Nonetheless, as cities become denser and more complex,
sharing practices present opportunities and significant challenges, as negotiations can be
ambiguous, and conflicts arise when diverse users share spaces or assets.
The central research question focuses on assessing the current integration of shared spaces
and mobilities in significant urban areas and exploring how their study can support urban
planners and decision-makers. The research analyses existing dynamics, challenges, and
opportunities around them through the lens of Social Practice theory's elements of practice.
To address this, the methodology involves studying cases in two Metropolitan Areas: Oslo
for the Global North and Santiago for the Global South. The object of study is mobility hubs,
which serve as flexible structures that offer valuable insights into societal perspectives,
needs, and preferences. The research’s analytic methods comprise observational studies,
literature and document review, stakeholder interviews and surveys. For a comprehensive
examination, the discussion covers regional (macro), municipal (meso) and neighbourhood
(micro) levels.
Overall, it is found that publicly accessible sharing practices in the study areas are scarce
but on the rise. Also, diverse factors have not been considered in the urban planning field,
revealing gaps between discourses and practices. The difficulties encountered in the Global
North and Global South cases vary, with the first struggling to create regulatory frameworks
and environments to promote such practices. At the same time, although they are greatly
valued in the latter, local authorities identify other more significant priorities.
The findings imply that the engagement with sharing practices is greatly influenced by
several contextual considerations like infrastructure provision and quality, digital literacy,
and citizens’ needs and preferences, among others. So, it is crucial for urban practitioners
to understand these and their influence on promoting behavioural changes while protecting
planning values, like inclusiveness and sustainable development. Furthermore, innovative
frameworks are needed for governance to enhance social integration and avoid exclusion
dynamics.
