Bound by hybrid lifestyles: Challenges faced by young generations in Lisbon and Oslo

Abstract

Northern European countries have been catalysts of many spatial, generational and social transformation dynamics, including new ways of sharing (e.g., housing, workplaces, mobility, services, etc.). Southern European countries have been following these trends at their own pace, and with the necessary context adjustments. In both, young people navigate spatio-functional, social, and digital shifts, leading to intricate interactions and relationships, often referred to as hybridity. Simultaneously, they grapple with generational tensions and challenges in accessing suitable housing and employment with a proper income. Furthermore, there is a growing expectation for them to allocate increased attention to climate change and sustainable issues. In general, young adults display heightened receptivity to emerging trends and lifestyles characterized as hybrid, encompassing co-housing strategies with increased mobility, flexible workplaces, diverse spatial arrangements, and various socio-cultural influences, coupled with a pronounced digital dependency. Despite ongoing discussions surrounding hybrid cities, there remains an uncertainty about how this concept manifests in the lifestyles adopted by young adults who serve as key protagonists in these trends. Additionally, it is unclear how these lifestyles intersect with climate change and sustainable issues, especially in distinct cities such as Lisbon and Oslo. This presentation seeks to address these gaps through a comparative study between the two cities. By doing so, it aims to illuminate the hybrid nature of new urban lifestyles, highlighting the challenges faced by a generation that, despite being exceptionally well prepared for the demands of the digital transition, finds itself hampered by the extractive economic model prevalent in urban areas.