Shared space
Instead of over-regulating urban traffic the Dutch concept “shared space” argues for giving the responsibility back to all traffic participants. Instead of scattering traffic signs, traffic lights, and marker lines all over, the design of the public space itself is considered to have the most influence on how car drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians behave. Basic tools are roundabouts, small bumps, and street contractions using water fountains or flower tubs (Wikipedia):
Also check out the examples from German towns Haslach and Wolfach. Very interesting i think …Safety, congestion, economic vitality and community severance can be effectively tackled in streets and other public spaces if they are designed and managed to allow traffic to be fully integrated with other human activity, not separated from it. A major characteristic of a street designed to this philosophy is the absence of traditional road markings, signs, traffic signals and the distinction between “road” and “pavement”. User behaviour becomes influenced and controlled by natural human interactions rather than by artificial regulation.
via Rad-Spannerei blog: Diskussionsveranstaltung Shared Space
October 28th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
the concept is not new. our streets were like this before, long time ago. I feel like going back in time.
the interesting parts are, for me, the optical one and the psychological one. giving people back the place to handle with, to handle with each other, to take care of, to enjoy, is a wonderful idea. to take borders away, is the best way to make the world better, even if it’s here only on the pavement.
October 28th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
you are right.. this approach is not really new. i was just not aware of the philosophy and idea behind it. and i agree with you: learning to deal with each other instead of referring to some traffic rules, seems to make public space more human and social again.