Technologies and collaborative services proximity in the smart cities: Distributed ledger as a push for new relationships

Abstract

The expected demographic densification presents specific critical points where op-portunities for improving citizens' lives can be identified. For this reason, projects are underway to analyze and explore the dynamics of cities to adapt to new con-texts. Several European cities, including Milan, Paris, and Barcelona, are already implementing changes to encourage new types of neighborhood organizations which revolve around the concept of proximity, and primary services close to home. In this context, it seems fundamental to seek connectivity, encouraging new forms of relationships between citizens. The use of new digital tools, such as blockchain, favors new types of autonomous organizations that can manage activities on a neighborhood scale. Design should propose suitable and innovative models of ap-plication and act as a facilitator for their implementation. Through design, it is also possible to identify guidelines for the relationships in a neighborhood and to define activities and experiences with which citizens can relate.