Evolution of the conceptual basis for the assessment of urban mobility sustainability impacts.

In this paper we highlight the evolution of both the conceptual basis and the methodological approaches for the sustainability assessment of transport and urban mobility. Through the review of key contributions in the field we highlight the significant shift in perspective that has occurred over the past two decades, characterized by a series of changes in the development of urban mobility patterns. Perspectives, goals and strategies evolved to the point that they represent an actual shift in the paradigm, i.e. a change in the points of reference for conceiving an urban mobility system. The theoretical foundations for the evaluation of sustainability impacts have changed accordingly, flanking the emphasis on the environmental impact with an increasing attention to the social and economic impacts. Although fragmented, the literature on urban mobility principles and development provides useful insights on the rationale behind the above mentioned shift in the paradigm. We review such literature outlining the major traits of the studies regarding sustainable mobility that emerged over time. Second, we focus on the two main perspectives (that we label principles oriented and planning oriented) that shaped the way sustainable urban mobility is conceived today.