Hypothesis + Research Questions
Aim
The overall aim for this research is to provide a scholarly, interdisciplinary contribution to the field of AVs, emphasising improved environmental outcomes, safety and public health in the built environment through qualitative research in the fields of architecture, intelligent mobility and communications.
The Symposium Methodology is directly related to the PhD hypothesis and research question
2. Hypothesis
Cultural research indicates that the expectations of a fully autonomous vehicle (AV) environment are higher than industry standards. AV systems are currently limited by their hierarchical definitions which determine limitations on autonomy, safety and communications.
A fully AV environment will require a new communication and semiotic system to improve safety to allow vehicles and public to communicate, this includes the aesthetics and semiotics in the public realm. Semiotics affect the way we think and behave regarding the environment.
That if AV systems are conceptualised as a living ‘technoecology’, a semiotic networked ‘living transport ecology’ as part of an environmental framework, an environmentally sustainable transport modality could emerge.
3. Research Questions
The research questions that are being asked by the PhD are:
What are the cultural expectations of vehicle autonomy and what are the social expectations of a fully AV environment? What are industry assumptions regarding AVs? How do social and industry expectations differ?
What would a fully AV environment communication system and semiotic look like? What are the expected effects on built environments from an AV?
Are AVs expected to achieve systemic environmental benefits along with improved safety and communications?