New episode of the MED COLOURS column dedicated to the topic of resilient and sustainable urban logistics. Once a month, we suggest articles, insights and studies of particular interest to the topics related to the project, with the aim of increasing knowledge related to the topics, and stimulating debate and knowledge exchange, which are essential ingredients for the achievement of our project goals.
This month’s focuse is on: how can public space be rethought as a core infrastructure for urban delivery services?
Imagine if our streets, squares and sidewalks were not just places to move and meet, but also key resources to enable cleaner, smarter and more efficient deliveries. Rethinking public space in this way could transform the way goods reach citizens, helping cities tackle congestion, pollution, and space scarcity.
This is exactly the perspective presented in the article “Public space as core infrastructure for urban delivery services”, published on CityLogistics.info by Walther Ploos van Amstel.
Far from being just “neutral backdrops”, public spaces are strategic assets: they can host micro-hubs, facilitate cargo bike flows, or enable shared delivery zones that reduce congestion and pollution. This perspective underlines the importance of integrating logistics into urban planning, making cities not only more liveable but also more resilient in the face of growing e-commerce and mobility demands.
This approach resonates strongly with the mission of the MED COLOURS project: across its 6 partner cities (Livorno, Cesena, Thessaloniki, Koper, Lisbon, Lyon), MED COLOURS is piloting innovative strategies that integrate logistics and urban planning. From micro-consolidation hubs to low-emission fleets, the project is exploring how delivery systems can adapt to the Mediterranean urban fabric while enhancing citizens’ quality of life. By viewing public space as a logistical enabler rather than a constraint, cities can unlock new opportunities to balance economic activity with environmental goals, a cornerstone of MED COLOURS’ vision for sustainable and decarbonised #UrbanLogistics in the Euro-Mediterranean area.
Read the full article here: https://www.citylogistics.info/research/public-space-as-core-infrastructure-for-urban-delivery-services/
