In short
UrbanCubby brings high-quality sports and play equipment to public and semi-public spaces via modular, smart sharing lockers. Users can autonomously borrow equipment via a smartphone application and QR code. In collaboration with various partners, the project forms a living lab in Ghent to test how an accessible, automated sharing system can make urban spaces more active and attractive.
Need and relevance
A necessary societal transition is needed from individual product ownership to shared use. This project is highly relevant in three areas:
Social: It removes financial and practical barriers to sports and social interaction, and promotes inclusion for diverse (and vulnerable) target groups.
Ecological (circular): Shared use avoids unnecessary purchases and reduces the material footprint. Products are also designed for a longer lifespan and repairability.
Economic/Spatial: Underutilized public infrastructure, such as an empty basketball court, immediately receives a valuable, active purpose.
From approach to impact
The practical approach consists of the rollout of 10 test locations in Ghent, including campuses of Artevelde University of Applied Sciences. To scale this innovation structurally and across Europe after the testing phase, a solid business model is essential. Here, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences takes the leading role in Work Package 4.
Within this work package, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences investigates which alternative circular business and revenue models (CBMs) work best for UrbanCubby. Their targeted approach includes the following steps:
A literature review and (inter)national benchmarking of best practices.
An in-depth stakeholder analysis (via interviews and focus groups) to map the risks, expectations, and barriers surrounding the sharing economy.
Developing and mapping out various CBM scenarios via the Circular Business Model Canvas.
A qualitative evaluation of these scenarios to find the perfect balance: the models must be economically feasible, ecologically desirable, and socially inclusive.
Validation of this theory through participatory workshops with the network.
The impact: The results from the research by Artevelde University of Applied Sciences will lead to a validated, scalable revenue model. This provides the necessary tools and recommendations for cities, schools, and policymakers to sustainably finance, embed, and roll out sharing lockers more broadly across Flanders and beyond.
Find an UrbanCubby near you
UrbanCubby makes sports and play equipment accessible in parks and public spaces. Each location may have a slightly different flow. Some are free to use, others may require a small payment or deposit.
The goal is always the same: make sports and play more accessible and bring people together in public space through an easy web-based system.
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