Speaker
Description
Public space is crucial in contemporary urban planning, fostering sustainable and resilient cities. Current debates increasingly emphasize the importance of pedestrian spaces and the redefinition of street spaces to provide more comfort and usability for people. As cities grapple with the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and enhancing urban livability, pedestrian-friendly public spaces have gained prominence.
In Italy, tactical urbanism often addresses the need for improved public spaces. These interventions are typically small-scale, low-cost, and community-focused, aiming to transform urban areas quickly to benefit the population. While impactful in the short term, such initiatives often lack permanence, leaving a gap in pursuing long-term urban solutions. Projects must prioritize durable transformations that align with sustainability and active mobility goals to achieve lasting change.
Despite the growing recognition of the need for pedestrian spaces, many urban interventions remain temporary, limiting their ability to foster significant, long-lasting benefits. A substantial gap exists in implementing projects that reclaim public spaces from vehicular dominance and embed these changes within a permanent framework. Addressing this gap requires projects that showcase the long-term benefits of pedestrian-friendly spaces and their potential to enhance urban connectivity and social interactions.
The project we realized in Salò serves as a case study for reclaiming public spaces from cars and creating a permanent pedestrian-friendly environment. Specifically, we focused on renovating Vittorio Emanuele II Square, dominated by vehicles since the rise of mass motorization. By subtracting space allocated to cars, our project aimed to restore the square’s social and pedestrian hub role.
The intervention prioritized continuity in the pedestrian circuit by establishing a circular connection between the lakefront and the historic center. This design ensured seamless pedestrian movement while fostering spaces for social interaction. The project included:
• Designing a layout that prioritized pedestrians over vehicles.
• Creating areas dedicated to outdoor activities and public-facing businesses.
• Establishing an environment conducive to social and cultural events.
The project’s implementation led to the following outcomes:
• Enhanced commercial activity: Public-facing businesses around the square gained additional space for outdoor seating and customer interactions. This increased foot traffic and boosted local economic activity, demonstrating the economic benefits of pedestrian-friendly spaces.
• Cultural and entertainment opportunities: The new pedestrian areas provided venues for entertainment, cultural events, and community gatherings. The square hosted concerts, markets, and open-air performances.
• Improved pedestrian connectivity: The square’s redesign integrated it into a continuous pedestrian circuit, enabling people to move effortlessly between the lakefront and the city center. This enhanced connectivity encouraged walking and reduced dependence on motorized transport.
• Increased social engagement: The improved environment made the square more inviting for social activities. Families, friends, and individuals began using the space to relax, interact, and enjoy recreational activities. Observational studies revealed a notable increase in spending time in the square.
• Health and environmental benefits: The project contributed to a healthier and more sustainable urban environment by reducing car dominance and promoting walking.
The renovation of Vittorio Emanuele II Square demonstrates the transformative potential of permanently reclaiming public spaces for pedestrians. By prioritizing pedestrian comfort, connectivity, and social interaction, the project provides a model for sustainable urban development. The success of this intervention highlights the need to move beyond temporary solutions and commit to long-term strategies in public space design.
This case study underscores the necessity of replicating similar approaches in other urban contexts. By focusing on permanent pedestrian-friendly interventions, cities can promote active mobility, enhance urban resilience, and foster stronger community ties. The Salò project is a blueprint for future initiatives, showcasing how thoughtful design and long-term planning can create vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable public spaces.
References
Becker A. et al. (2018), Ride a bike! Reclaim the city, Birkhäuser, Basel
Gehl J., (1987), Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York
Moreno C., Allam Z., Chabaud D., Gall C., Pratlong F. (2021), “Introducing the “15-Minute City”: Sustainability. Resilience and Place Identity in Future Post-Pandemic Cities”, Smart Cities, 4, pp. 93-111
| Keywords | Walkability; Urban Regeneration; Active Mobility |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
