The scramble crossing living Streets’ push for a more integrated
clear to dock
was popularised in the approach to public spaces borrows heavily
famous diagonal from the “shared space” concept, pioneered
developments on the scale of Haussmann’s restoration crossing in Tokyo’s in The netherlands. aiming to redraw the
of paris in the 19th century may be a rarity these days, Shibuya district. it lines that govern most public space
but that doesn’t mean that large-scale changes to public involves non-foot traffic engineering, shared space involves largely
spaces are a thing of the past. being stopped removing road markings and traffic controls,
For example, the regeneration of the 150-hectare almada simultaneously by red and integrating foot and non-foot traffic.
docks in lisbon, portugal, one of europe’s largest brownfield lights. Pedestrians are then Trials have produced remarkable results, with
sites, represented both a challenge and an opportunity for able to go in whichever a considerable fall in the number of accidents.
the almada municipality. atkins was brought in to develop a direction they choose, rather For its part, living Streets believes “the
masterplan based on sustainable urban design principles. than having to cross in a set fashion. shared space concept offers a lot of rich
“the almada docks masterplan was based around the idea of high density The solution is elegant in its simplicity and ground, which can be used more widely
living and a comprehensive public transport system, which allowed us to successfully takes into account the needs of when planning streets and urban areas.”
almost eliminate cars at ground level,” says atkins’ matthew tribe. “We’ve used motor traffic and the pedestrians that are so Of course, any large-scale public space
the structures of the docks to place almost all car parking underground, via a vital in keeping the shops in business. project will always have its opponents.
proposed motorway tunnel link. this brings all car traffic into the docks on a it has the added benefit of shifting the innovative solutions might be offered, but
subterranean level and then people walk up to ground level. By taking that focus from cars to people, which can change they don’t always win political backing.
approach to vehicle management, it allows us to create interesting and more the tenor of a public space completely and according to armstrong, this is nothing
vibrant public spaces. influence the building surrounding a space. new. “That’s the classic tension inherent in the
“With the almada docks, it was a clean slate. We balanced the mix of “Towns and cities can do things public realm,” he says. “Someone needs to
land use in order to create streets that would be active and animated for long incrementally in a way that adds up to a better have the confidence to say that, while there
periods of the day or night. these uses include cultural, educational, commerce, quality of life for all,” says Jonathan Davis, may be a short-term cost in congestion around
retail, leisure and so on. We removed or limited traffic where possible, ensured director of knowledge and skills with the uK one area, the long-term benefits outweigh it.
 that people could still move around the spaces well and with ease via trams, rail, government’s Commission for architecture and Furthermore, when public realm improvements
walking or cycling, and created an intricate mix so that the whole of the public the built Environment (CabE). “Projects like take place and roads are re-allocated for
realm in the almada docks would come alive,” says tribe. these can make towns and cities more resilient pedestrian use, there’s often no long-term
and efficient, and help reduce carbon or other increase in congestion because people tend to
greenhouse gas emissions while adapting to naturally change their behaviour accordingly.”
of the environment for pedestrians could be authorities to come up with a solution. the inevitable impact of climate change. “People often ask, what does the public
achieved at Oxford Circus to help raise the “There are differences in policy and attitudes “Those towns and cities that are able to space of tomorrow look like?” adds CabE’s
overall shopping experience.” from one city to another,” Duxbury says. understand this and that can connect it with Davis. “i think it’s actually quite easy to
“Oxford Circus presents a number of “For example, people look at risk differently. their strategies have a very good chance of imagine. in cities like Chester or Copenhagen,
serious problems for pedestrians,” Duxbury in germany, if you have a crossing and the bringing citizens with them on this journey. for example, where pedestrians have been
explains. as a founder-director of intelligent red man is showing, people will wait for the it moves them towards a new kind of future, given priority over cars, you can hear bells
Space, the specialist consultancy that was green man to appear before crossing the based on sustainable development goals.” ringing, the birds singing, and you’re not
acquired by atkins in 2007 (see boxed text on road. in london, people will cross when it’s constantly running from pavement to
the previous page), Duxbury understands perceived as safe, regardless of the light.” Space to share pavement to get away from the traffic.
how pedestrians behave. atkins’ proposed solution to the Oxford “There’s now a greater understanding “Encouraging alternative ways to move
“The huge volume of visitors means Circus paradox proved relatively simple. among planners and designers of the need around the city – quieter public transport,
there’s simply not enough space to walk, “We plan to use a scramble crossing,” to prioritise active travel, but there’s a gap bicycles or low emissions vehicles – allows you
which puts people off. it also leads to safety explains Duxbury. “it’s a simple way to solve between policy and practice,” says Tony to adjust your buildings. You can get back to a
issues, because many people walk outside the the problem of heavy pedestrian foot traffic. armstrong, chief executive of living Streets. sense of something basic and sensible. good
guard-rail and that’s very dangerous,” she says. While it is used all over the world, there are This uK-based charity campaigns for better public spaces are even better when they can
atkins has worked with local planning none yet in the uK.” streets and public spaces for people on foot. adapt to new information or circumstances.”
“TOWnS anD CiTiES Can DO THingS inCrEMEnTallY in a WaY THaT
aDDS uP TO a Better qualIty oF lIFe For all. THEY Can MaKE
THEir toWnS and cItIeS MOrE rESiliEnT anD EFFiCiEnT” Jonathan Davis, CabE
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