The centres of many cities and towns are characterised by wide thoroughfares designed for car traffic. But in places where people live, shop and socialise, streets need to be more than just asphalt. This project seeks to rethink these streets as vibrant, green and safe spaces that invite people to spend time, meet and move around – and ultimately help town and city centres remain attractive places to live.
A question of prioritisation
The project aims to bring about a cultural shift in planning. Instead of designing through roads solely according to traffic requirements, urban-development considerations should play a greater role in strengthening town and city centres and improving quality of life. Many through roads are federal, state or district roads and are often designed by the responsible authorities without sufficient regard for local needs. The project seeks to give municipalities a stronger voice in shaping the spaces surrounding these roads and to give greater priority to urban-development objectives – without compromising road safety. Working together with all stakeholders, legal adjustments and design principles will be developed to create new guidelines and regulations for future-ready streets in towns and cities.
New living spaces at the centre
Challenges and solutions will be addressed through a co-creative process. These will be implemented in two municipalities as pilot projects and will form the basis for a modular framework. This should then help other municipalities to implement projects along their own through roads, enabling functional transport corridors to once again become attractive and liveable urban centres – the heart and pulse of public life.
