Mobility in the century of metropolises: a sustainable and multidimensional approach to public function of common interest

Abstract

The 21st century, known as the "metropolitan century," sees over one-third of the global population residing in large cities. This phenomenon has been explained by classical theories, such as Central Place and Growth Pole theories, which associate urban growth with human mobility. Mobility emerges as a central theme for municipalities within metropolitan regions, being essential to meet the daily needs of the population and to foster sustainable development. However, territorial management and the formulation of integrated administrative solutions face significant challenges due to the institutional and geographical complexity of these regions. In this context, this thesis proposes to analyse the multiple dimensions of mobility as a Public Function of Common Interest (FPIC), defining the necessary attributes to make a metropolitan region sustainable. Adopting a mixed-method case study, the research seeks to develop a model capable of measuring, qualifying, and monitoring metropolitan evolution based on relational and affective analyses that contribute to institutional, economic, and territorial decision-making. Sustainable mobility is explored as an integrative mechanism, connecting urban planning, environmental policies, and city resilience to human movement demands. The thesis explores metropolitan regions through case studies of Greater London, Porto Alegre, and Serra Gaúcha, comparing their contexts and mobility solutions. The findings of the thesis contribute to the field of sustainable mobility in metropolitan regions by proposing an integrated framework that defines four key dimensions - regulation, urban development, innovative culture, and resilience - alongside twelve critical attributes and sixteen horizontal pathways. These elements offer scalable strategies to enhance urban-rural connectivity, foster socio-spatial integration, and support adaptive metropolitan governance. Incorporating stakeholder and citizen perspectives from diverse contexts, the framework ensures flexibility and relevance to varying regional conditions. This approach enhances the understanding of socio-spatial interdependencies and serves as a practical tool for formulating effective, context-sensitive policies to advance sustainable metropolitan development. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]