Dive into the Baseline
Each project has its history, shaped by circumstances, wills and desires, and accidents. The S.M.ALL network and its guide, the Lead Expert Pietro Elisei, dedicated passionate efforts to set a roadmap combining objectives at transnational levels and the peculiarities of the cities involved in the process, with their differences in size and shape, as well as in specific targets. From the Baseline Study [link], the three pillars of the Roadmap emerged:
the transition from an interdisciplinary to a transdisciplinary approach, the evolution towards a participatory co-design strategy, and the broadening of stakeholder involvement
A flexible yet cohesive methodology is now back boning the S.M.ALL project with its mantra LEARN, COOPERATE, IMPROVE, encouraging dialogue and confrontation at all levels inside and outside the city. When seeded in local contexts, the Roadmap sprouts in actions that keep reflecting each city's planning cultures and available resources, and allow a promising confrontation between big, medium, and small size cities. Would the relative ease of concentrating the efforts in cocoon-like contexts (small and medium cities) be an advantage in the redaction of the IAPs, or the array of different hypotheses will lead metropolitan areas to develop ambitious visions for the future of the accessibility of sustainable mobility?
Walking in our shoes
the mere existence of sustainable transport options is not enough. Rather, is the way in which these options are used and integrated into daily life that defines their sustainability
Talking about mobility cannot be separated from talking about social inclusivity: the Quarterly Report underlines the essence of the view that inspired S.M.ALL, born from parents struggling to harmonise their aspiration to perform a zero-impact mobility and the possibilities offered by the cities they live in with their families.
To begin an effective and long-lasting re-design of the mobility options, solutions should encompass, together with environmental factors, community interaction to foster social cohesion and a strong focus on the most fragile and vulnerable segments of the population.
When it's possible and safe for children, elderly, for people with physical and mental disabilities, it's possible and safe [italic] for all.
Besides that, the urban nature of the S.M.ALL project leverages both mobility, intended as an efficient way of movement for people living in complex environments, and accessibility, bringing to the people what people need.
...is it worth it?
Short answer: it definitely is. The first quarter of the APN served as a fine-tuning to the engine of the ULGs. Understanding participatory processes, opening the groups to stakeholders that come and go, understanding needs and expectations, and exploring the cities with their eyes have been the leverage to open a new phase.
Stay close to your friendly neighborhood S.M.ALL to get to know more - and read the first issue of the Quarterly Report!
