Cycling takes priority in this streetscape of Melbourne 2040. Bicycle lanes are widened to encompass the road and, while cars still exist, they are considered a form of public transport. They are smaller, solar powered and communally used. Food is grown in garden beds to reduce ‘food miles’ and trams continues to be integral to the city’s transport.
In 2040 personal mobility needs in urban areas are mostly met by public transport and cycling. This image shows an elevated cycling highway next to a Melbourne train station. Drones play an important role in the mobility system by delivering and distributing post and other small goods with high energy and time efficiency.
In 2040, a Melbourne resident checks her and her community’s ‘contribution index’ using her smart wrist-band. As currently existing wrist-bands monitor the wearers’ fitness, the ‘contribution index’ wrist-band gives the woman an up-to-date reading of her personal contribution to the city as well as that of her community. Contributions could be measured in terms of energy generation, water consumption, participation in recycling or perhaps contribution to caring for other community members. Her community could be a social network or the residents of her neighbourhood.
In 2040 Melbourne will have an integrated transport system enabling people to choose between different green alternative transport options.
Visions & Pathways for Low Carbon Australian Cities 2040
Design is a wonderful tool to envision the initiatives that we want to see in the world. At incluDesign we are committed to co-create thriving futures with our clients, partners and communities.
We are proud to have contributed to the Visions and Pathways 2040, a research and engagement project that envisions resilient and exciting low-carbon futures for Australian Cities. Our role included facilitating and engaging with a range of stakeholders and creating scenarios, sketches and glimpses of the future capable to bring together diverse ideas for a resilient future.
For more information about this project: