Hitonami (人波): Speculative design for overcrowded mobility arenas in the 6G era
Yaara Schattner, Tom Reznikov, Yuri Klebanov, Guy Blander, Niv Yashar, Tal Nisim · 2023
The future of urban mobility is expected to experience significant changes with the introduction of emerging technologies: non-human actors, immersive experiences, and location accuracy. Speculative design processes that enable walkable urban environments will become critical for sustainable and inclusive cities. This paper explores challenges and opportunities in designing walkability for Japanese train stations, known for unique features and high density. The paper proposes a framework for improving walkability using a multicultural approach that combines field research with speculative design tactics and lo-fi prototyping. The proposed framework leverages collective movement models and design paradigms to enhance individual and collective walkability. The study presents a prototype of an individualized navigation system that uses 6G and swarm intelligence to reduce sensory overload in crowded environments. Inclusive design can create transformative public spaces and introduce methods of collaboration and co-design to address the complex challenges of mobility in future urban landscapes.