A Project for Sustainable Stations and Cities

The “Sustainable City Promoter” is an innovative initiative led by architect and expert in sustainable cities, Alice Lunardon (Arch. MsC. PhD). This project focuses on transforming train stations into sustainable urban centers, making the most of their resources and infrastructure with the help of modern technology.

 Sustainability: Resource Optimization

Sustainability is not only about preserving the environment, but also about optimizing existing resources. Train stations, which have historically been key nodes in our cities since the Industrial Revolution, have untapped potential that can contribute significantly to urban sustainability. These stations can be transformed into vital centers that provide inclusive and proximity services, in addition to promoting green mobility.

Sustainability is optimization of existing resources, infrastructures with the help of technology

The 'Sustainable City Promoter' project proposes converting stations into active urban centers that add value to the community. The idea is that these stations become a kind of "15-minute city", where essential services are within reach of all citizens. In addition, it seeks to implement advanced engineering solutions that adopt the circular economy, promoting the production, reuse and recycling of resources.

RAIL4CITIES: Railway Stations for Green and Inclusive Cities

The RAIL4CITIES project, funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme, aims to transform train stations into sustainable and socially inclusive urban centres. With a consortium of 14 partners, this project began on July 1, 2023 and will run for two years.

Goals and Living Labs

RAIL4CITIES focuses on the creation of "Living Labs", spaces where new ideas and solutions can be tested and validated in a real environment. These living laboratories seek to reflect the diversity of users and create thriving public spaces that offer more than just transportation functions, thus promoting public transportation.

Living Labs Methodology

The methodology used in the Living Labs is based on human-centered design, placing users at the center of the design process to create unique places with identity. This minimizes the risk of project rejection and maximizes its adoption and impact.

Living Labs Process:

1. Documentary Research and Questionnaires: An initial investigation combined with questionnaires is carried out to understand the context of the station and its surroundings.

2. Stakeholder Mapping: Identification and mapping of all interested parties, including public and private entities, and the natural environment.

3. Understanding Users: Using techniques such as observation, behavior mapping and interviews to understand users' perceptions and desires.

4. Proposal of Solutions: Generation of ideas and solutions through co-creation and collective brainstorming.

5. Solution Validation: Alignment of solutions with the needs of all interested parties and validation in the field.

6. Adaptation to Policies and Governance: Creation of a value proposition and development of a business case informed by the impact assessment.

Online Workshop with Alice Lunardon and BABLE Smartcities

Recently, we held an online workshop with the participation of Alice Lunardon and her team from BABLE Smartcities, where we practiced the "living lab" methodology applied to the RAIL4CITIES project using the Girona station as a case study. This workshop allowed us to explore and develop innovative ideas to transform the station into a more sustainable and user-centred space.

In conclusion, the RAIL4CITIES project and the 'Sustainable City Promoter' represent a significant step towards the creation of greener and more inclusive cities. Through the optimization of resources and the transformation of stations into active urban centers, we are moving towards a more sustainable and connected future.