The Management and

Maintenance of Historic
Streets and Squares:
Examples from Europe

IanPoole
StEdmundsburyBoroughCouncil

CABE Space Scholarship 2008

CABE Space Scholarship 2008





The Management and
Maintenance of Historic
Streets and Squares:
Examples from Europe









Ian Poole
Planning Policy & Specialist Services Manager
St Edmundsbury Borough Council

ian.poole@stedsbc.gov.uk

May 2009



Introduction

The Council for European Urbanism declared, at a symposium in Bruges in 2003, that
European cities are under threat from, amongst other things, a loss of regional and national
cohesion, character and distinctiveness. The Council agreed twelve challenges for the
organisation, and perhaps for everyone involved in the design and management of the public
realm, including:

The degradation of public spaces;
Public realm made from left-over space;
Car-dominated transport;
Indiscriminate road and street design; and
Non-contextual guidelines and regulations in historic spaces.

This is especially evident in many historic towns and cities cross England where streets and
squares are losing their identity and distinctiveness as a result of over-engineering to cater
for the motor car and the associated regulations that seek to segregate the various users of
spaces with little regard to historic character.

The Manual for Historic Streets, published by the English Historic Towns Forum in April
2008, also highlighted the need for sensitive investment decisions in the historic public realm.
It was apparent to many of the authors of the Manual that the lack of consideration of the
historic importance of the streets and squares was having a significant impact on the quality
and vitality of historic towns.

My study of European historic towns and cities sought to examine the management and
maintenance of historic streets and squares. In particular, I wanted to look at the design
philosophy behind public realm improvement schemes, with an emphasis on:

The people involved in the design process;
The decision making process including public involvement;
Reasons for choice of materials;
The functionality and maintenance issues of the schemes;
Funding arrangements;
Issues around local distinctiveness; and
Ongoing maintenance issues.

Itinerary

In determining the itinerary for my Scholarship, I considered that the historic towns and
cities of northern Europe were most likely to assimilate the conditions and climate found in
the UK. I also wanted to examine a range of sizes of centre, and not just large cities that
were, in themselves, international tourist destinations and often a focus for major
investment. I was aware of the EU Liveable City project, which had commenced in 2002 and
had aimed to improve the public space (spatial domain) in historic city centres by looking at
it in a co-ordinated and joined-up way, and to balance the need to maintain and promote
the heritage of the city with the demands of everyone who lives in, works in or visits the city
increased leisure facilities, round the clock facilities and services, and a safe, attractive and
accessible city centre environment.

The partner cities were:
x Norwich (lead partner);
x Emden (Germany);
x Gent (Belgium);
x Lincoln;
x Odense (Denmark); and
x Trondheim (Norway);

Examples from the UK
Leftover and inaccessible space between
highways
Street clutter creating major barriers for
pedestrians and environmental impact
Poorly designed and maintained street
furniture
A mass of traffic lights, pedestrian guard rails
and bollards detract from the internationally
important city wall
A multi-message sign has a major impact
on the street scene
The road safety, signing and design
requirements for rising bollards creates a
grotesque impact on the historic
environment
Upon examination of the output reports of the project, I chose initially to examine Gent,
Odense and Trondheim. With these destinations fixed, I also researched UNESCO World
Heritage cities to assess whether there were any in northern Europe that might have
undertaken recent public realm enhancement works. This revealed a number of cities that
are listed as whole places rather than particular monuments and, in particular, the cities of
Bamberg in Germany and Visby in Sweden.

I also took inspiration from the recently published book New Public Spaces by Sarah
Gaventa (2006). The book is a showcase of a wide variety of public spaces across the world,
including historic streets and squares and provided pertinent examples at Kalmar, Sweden
and Zutphen in the Netherlands
A further very useful source of information about projects to regenerate public space was
the Centre for Contemporary Culture of Barcelonas (CCCB) European Archive of Urban
Public Space brings together examples of some of the most significant projects of the
regeneration of public space that has occurred in different European cities over the last
twenty years.
The Archive content is based on the projects presented for the European Prize for Urban
Public Space. Over 350 projects are listed on the CCCB website and it highlighted a
number of projects that were relevant to the objectives of my study.
In addition, I was recommended by my mentor for the project, Mike Loveday of Norwich
HEART, to contact the Swiss Pedestrians Association (Fussverkehr Schweiz) because of the
range of projects that had been implemented in that country. I was fortunate, having made
contact with them, to be able to join a visit organised by the German Pedestrians
Association to a number of cities.

In order to manage the project, I decided to restrict my visits where possible to trips of no
more than 5 days and to one country at a time. This was possible on most occasions, with
the exception of my visit to Scandinavia. In all I spent some 35 days travelling.


Schedule:

The Netherlands
Delft #
Zutphen
Drachten
sHertogenbosch
Utrecht #


Germany
Bamberg
Nuremburg #



Scandinavia
Odense, Denmark
Trondheim, Norway
Visby, Gotland, Sweden
Kalmar, Sweden
Copenhagen, Denmark #

Zurich #
Switzerland
St Gallen
Winterburg #
Berne
Biel-Bienne

France
Bordeaux
Dijon
Besancon
Lyon

Antwerp #
Belgium
St Niklaas
Gent
Mechelen
Namur
# Short visit

I chose to spend between 1 and 3 days in each city to provide an opportunity to interview
local professionals where possible and to spend time visiting the spaces at different times
of the day in order to understand how they function when both busy and quiet. Despite
trying to make contacts with project designers or city councils, it did not prove possible to
interview anyone in France. However, I do not feel that this has impeded my study as I was
able to make detailed observations of various projects in the four cities I visited.

In addition, I was fortunate to be invited to the Final Seminar of the EU funded Shared Space
project that was taking place in Drachten in the Netherlands at the same time I was visiting
the country.

The Projects

It is impossible to describe the detail of all the projects visited in just a few short pages.
However, the following pages summarise the main findings from the cities that were the
main focus of my study. These are:

x Zutphen
x Shertogenbosch
x Bamberg
x Odense
x Trondheim
x Visby
x Kalmar
x St Gallen
x Berne
x Biel Bienne
x Bordeaux
x Dijon
x Besancon
x Lyon
x St Niklaas
x Gent
x Mechelen
x Namur







Zutphen
This relatively small city of around 46,000 inhabitants is located in the province of
Gelderland in the Netherlands. It is situated around 30 km north-east of Arnhem and is a
Hanseatic city, one of a number along the River Ijssel, and the evidence of the merchants
dwellings, businesses and medieval streets remain today. The historic centre is
characterised by narrow streets leading into large spaces traditionally used for markets.
The city council has an ongoing commitment to investing in the streets to provide a high
quality pedestrian environment while vehicles were allowed, either unrestricted or at certain
times of the day. Some of the work is referred to in New Public Spaces but the
investment continues, with Houdmarkt and Zaadmarkt being recent examples where a
pedestrian friendly environment has been created. Projects have not been restricted to the
street surfaces, but have included help with shopfonts and signs and building shutters. One
particular problem tackled was the display of goods and A-boards outside shop premises.
This has had the effect of creating spaces where it is easy to move around on foot or by
bicycle and where vehicles are also allowed to enter, subject to certain restrictions. In the
central market spaces the improvements have used smooth Belgian limestone which moves
away from earlier schemes in the narrower streets, where fired red Dutch paving bricks and
Belgian limestone pavements have been used. The limestone paving creates a smooth
surface which is comfortable for walking and those with mobility problems. Particular
attention to detail has been made to the needs of stall holders in the market area. Provision
has been made in the surface for tying down stall awnings, which eliminates the need for
heavy and unsightly weights.
Maintenance issues are common in managing the public realm and Zutphen demonstrated
two contrasting issues. Firstly, the use of bespoke street furniture can cause problems when
it becomes damaged. In particular, modern aluminium seats had been placed in the shopping
streets and some would appear to have been damaged by a vehicle. Elsewhere in the city,
the problem of weeds growing between small blocks was being tackled with a machine that
burns them off as illustrated below.
In the more modern station area, Stationstraadt has recently been pedestrianised and the
road crossing to the station forecourt is at pavement level with the cycle path surface
continuing across the carriageway. Although the crossing is signal controlled, it does
provide a sense of confusion for motorists and the reduced speeds did allow cyclists and
pedestrians to cross without necessarily having to wait for the signals to go green. In
addition, special brick paviours with raised white lines on them to provide both tactile and
highly visible guides to the boundary between pedestrian and cycle routes.
More information on the project can be found in English at http://www.okra.nl/
Lessons: Zutphen has invested in a city wide approach to the improvement of the public
realm. The use of local materials provides a sense of local distinctiveness and the city has
recognised the importance of regulating shopfronts and street trading as well as investing in
infrastructure.
Pedestrianised shopping streets Belgian limestone paving has been used in
more recent schemes
Burning off weeds between paviours Bespoke seating has been damaged and not
replaced
Cycleway footpath crossing outside
station
Defining the join between cycleway and
footpath
Zutphen
sHertogenbosch
The city is located in the south of the Netherlands around 80 km from Amsterdam and is
the capital of the region of North Brabant. It was granted city status in the 12
th
century and
has always been heavily fortified by ramparts. A number of canals also traverse the city.
After the second world war, the central government declared the city a protected
townscape and, as a consequence, many of the historic elements have been preserved.
Investment in improving the public realm has been a key piece of work in the city since the
preparation of a public realm strategy in the 1990s. However, it was recognised that
improvements could not be undertaken until appropriate measures to manage the flow of
traffic through and around the city was in place. With this work completed, a
comprehensive strategy was drawn up, involving Spanish architect, Beth Gali. Over the
course of five years the streets of sHertogenbosch were reclaimed for pedestrians and
cyclists in a 9 million project. The work is characterised by the bespoke street furniture
including streetlights and cycle parking stands. The streetlights are very similar in design to
those recently installed in Cork in Ireland where Gali has also worked.
The strategy that Gali started has continued and is culminating in the biggest project to date,
the refurbishment of the central market place which was being implemented during my visit.
Access to the centre is controlled by rising bollards, and it is apparent that these are much
less obtrusive than those used in the UK, where a large number of signs often district from
the environment within which the bollards are located.
Lessons: The clear message coming from sHertogenbosch was the need to manage
vehicular traffic in the historic streets before making them more pedestrian friendly. In
addition, the importance of having a robust strategy is apparent and, although this was
prepared in the 1990s it is still appropriate today. The use of bespoke street furniture also
helps to create some sense of local distinctiveness.




Pedestrianised shopping streets Belgian limestone paving has been used in
more recent schemes
Laying granite setts in the Market Place Pedestrianised street, bespoke street lighting
and spontaneous use of the space
Distinctive services cover Muddying boundaries between different
users. Street lights designed by Beth Gali
SHertogenbosch
Bamberg

The city of Bamberg is a Bavarian town Germany located approximately 60 km north of
Nuremberg. It dates back to around the 11
th
century and the old part is listed as a World
Heritage City, primarily because of its authentic medieval appearance. The Old Town ranks
as Germanys largest single architectural ensemble, extending over an area of 425 hectares
and containing around 2,000 listed buildings.

Significant investment is taking place in the public realm of the Old Town, recognising by the
city councils own admission that this investment helps to promote investment in the
buildings that surround the streets and squares. A number of details within the projects are
worthy of note. In particular, where streets were being made more pedestrian friendly,
both rough and smooth finished setts of the same material was being used. The rough setts
were used neared the buildings, with a path of smooth sets approximately 1 metre wide
down the centre to facilitate easier use by those pushing buggys, in wheelchairs or those that
found it uncomfortable to walk on rough surfaces. In addition, in the large square known as
the Domplatz, there are no road markings whatsoever other than aluminium discs
approximately 100mm in diameter to illustrate the edge of the carriageway. No give-way
markings exist either, but motorists are able to navigate their way around without apparent
danger.

Also of note was a large section of one-way street that bisected the old town and the
relatively modern shopping area that was a signalled crossing. Rather than the crossing being
the usual width, a length of around 120 metres was the subject of control, due in part to the
number of desirable crossing points across the street. The road and footway surfaces were
the same, and the carriageway extent was delineated by white granite blocks.

One particular problem area for the city was the Maximiliansplatz, a large square near the
main shopping centre and close to the university buildings. The square adjoins the City Hall
on one side and a major department store on the other. Beneath the square is an
underground car park, paid for when the store was developed. Although formerly used as a
location for the market, when improvement works had been carried out the market was
temporarily relocated in to the adjoining shopping street. Trading increased so dramatically
in the street that the traders do not want to return. According to the officer that I met, a
number of designs and ideas had been put forward for its use but they could not make a
decision as to what the space should be used for.
Lessons: Bamberg is an example where there is a recognition that investment in the public
realm can result in private investment in the buildings that surround it. This investment has
recognised the importance of the historic importance of the city and although vehicles are
still permitted in the narrow streets, they do not dominate the area.
A key learning point is the use of both rough and smooth finished setts in the carriageway to
help those with mobility impairments.

Extended pedestrian crossing with cycle
lanes and one-way street all on one level
In the Domplatz, the line of the carriageway
is defined by aluminium studs. There are no
white lines
Lighting plays an important role. Note
the ramp to help cycles to be pushed up
and down the steps
The Sandstrasse, where smooth setts are
used in the centre of the street with rough
tumbled setts either side
The Maximiliansplatz, where the city
council wants to do something, but it is
not sure what
Displaying goods on the pavements is causing
obstructions for pedestrians
Bamberg
Odense

The city of Odense in Denmark was one of the Liveable City partners and, with a population
of over 150,000, is the third largest city in Denmark. It is also one of the oldest cities,
having recently celebrated its 1000
th
anniversary. The city is the birth place of Hans
Christian Andersen which draws a considerable number of visitors to view places of interest
spread around the city centre.

As part of the Liveable City project, the city sought to improve the connectivity of the public
realm to spread visits to the attractions and ensure that the streets and spaces were
befitting to the many fine architectural buildings. A range of pedestrian priority streets
were created to provide linkages between the various attractions. In addition, the city
developed a range of distinctive street furnishings including manhole covers and bollards,
using Hans Christian Andersen as a basis.

An especially impressive use of public art to provide function was at the northern end of
Kongensgade, pedestrianised shopping street that ran perpendicular to the city centre
distributor road. In order to reduce the impact of the traffic noise, a water feature had been
put in place and the noise of the splashing water helped to baffle the noise of vehicles in the
street behind it.

In the more historic centre, a project had been implemented to reduce the impact of
vehicles travelling in the vicinity of the cathedral and city square. Although a low kerb exists
between the highway and pedestrian area, the surface for both is exactly the same material
and there is a sense of having created a space through which vehicles are allowed to pass,
rather than having a highway that separates the cathedral from the city square and shopping
streets. Light controlled pedestrian crossingsremain, but these are relatively well integrated
into the street scene and the small lights do not detract from the surroundings. Particularly
impressive, was the street lighting outside the church that stood erect as sentinels to the
main west door during the day and then turned to create a traditional form at night.


Lessons: The investment in the public realm in Odense has arisen due to the recognition of
how managing tourism can bring benefits to a city. This has been achieved through
significant investment and the creation of a better balance between motorists and
pedestrians. The use of public art for functional purposes, such as bollards and manhole
covers has also provided an element of local distinctiveness that is often overlooked through
the purchase of off-the-shelf examples found in other cities.
Shallow kerbs and uniform material across
the space helps to reduce the impact of the
motor car
These street lights located outside the
cathedral swivel round at night to point
the light to the ground.
Litter bins and benches are part of the suite
of street furniture with connections to Hans
Christian Andersen
Bollards designed to the Hans Christian
Andersen theme
Centre of the carriageway defined by studs
and smooth slabs used to assist in pushing
buggys and for cyclists
Odense
Trondheim

As the third largest city in Norway and a regional capital, Trondheims historic core is based
on a baroque city plan dating back to the 17
th
century. The streets in the city are
particularly contrasting, the central shopping streets being wide and based on a grid pattern,
whereas across the river the largely residential streets of the Bakklandet are much more
intimate but marginalised from the centre.

A number of initiatives have taken place to link the modern and old parts of the city as well
as within the individual neighbourhoods. In the Bakklandet, vehicle access is still allowed but
narrow streets and rough finished setts help to reduce traffic speeds. Provision for cyclists
is assisted through the use of large smooth slabs in the carriageway to create unmarked
cycle lanes. This approach is also used in pedestrian areas to assist with pushing buggys and
wheelchairs. Cycling is encouraged throughout the city, despite the climate and a cycle hire
system operates throughout the centre that enables registered users access to 125 cycles at
various points in the city for a maximum of three hours use. The system is run by Adshel

In the centre of the city, the Torvet is the towns main a square at the junction of four wide
streets. At the centre is the statue of the city's founder, Olav Tryggvason, which combines
as a large sundial, the column casting its shadow on a cobblestone clock face below. Earlier
in this decade a design competition was run by the City Council to examine the squares
potential as a meeting area without cars for the inhabitants of Trondheim, through aesthetic,
artistic and functional development suggestions. In June 2004 the judging team voted in
favour of two submissions but, following the publication of these proposals, there was
considerable discussion amongst local people with many wanting to keep the area as it was.
Following further work on the two proposals and a public workshop, the city council
decided on the preferred option and the first phase of the project, comprising a new stage,
new stalls and several street furniture measures like new benches, flowers etc. have been
realized. These measures though, are temporary, until the planning for a permanent design
for the Market Square is concluded. In addition, a new open air skating rink was opened in
December 2005. Unfortunately, more permanent works have not been undertaken to date.

Another recent major initiative in the city has revolved around the former ship construction
yards and docks area which has witnessed significant investment in the re-use of buildings
and spaces. A new footbridge links the area to the city centre and the spaces around the
dock buildings are used for open air cafes and a focus for events. Reference to the past is
maintained by the retention of cranes and other installations.

Lessons: Trondheim has demonstrated that, even in climates where walking and cycling may
not be the most attractive forms of transport, it is possible to make them viable alternatives
to the motor car. The use of large slabs in otherwise cobbled streets is an innovative
solution to allowing smooth passage while still retaining the aesthetic and traffic calming
qualities of rough finished setts.







Extended pedestrian crossing with cycle
lanes and one-way street all on one level
In the Domplatz, the line of the carriageway
is defined by aluminium studs. There are no
white lines
The new footbridge linking the former
shipbuilding yards to the historic centre
The space in the docks has now become a
focal point for street cafs and is a popular
place to meet
The city cycle hire scheme has a number
of points where bicycles can be picked
up or left
The Torvet, in the city centre is
pedestrianised and the focal point for a
number of open air events
Trondheim
Visby

Located on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, the walled city of Visby dates back to the
14
th
century and has a population of around 22,000 that grows considerably during the
summer due to its popularity as a tourist destination. The walled town is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site recognising that Visby was the main centre of the Hanseatic League in
the Baltic from the 12th to the 14th century. Its 13th-century ramparts and more than 200
warehouses and wealthy merchants' dwellings from the same period make it the best-
preserved fortified commercial city in northern Europe.

The narrow streets of the walled town are not able to cope with the modern day demands
of the car let alone balancing these demands with those of pedestrians. A long term
investment programme has been implemented to provide a more pedestrian friendly
environment, without necessarily excluding the car. However, during the busy summer
months the car is excluded from the centre, except for those with residents permits and
this provides a better balance to manage the large influx of visitors to the city and Gotland
during the summer holidays. During all periods, the streets are effectively Woonerfs or
pedestrian zones, as is evident by the traditional Woonerf sign throughout.

Public realm investment has been carried out both within the narrow streets of the walled
city and along the promenade. A unique feature of the public realm work is the placement
of concrete sheep as bollards throughout the city, reflecting the local economys reliance on
wool. In addition, along the refurbished promenade, new benches have been designed and
manufactured locally from wood and concrete that provide a contemporary solution in a
modern setting. Despite a near 2 metres drop to the beach, there is no railing along the
edge of the promenade, only lights set into the ground at intervals. When questioned, my
local contact from the city council stated that the promenade was wide and that if people
were nervous about the edge then they should walk away from it!

In the narrow streets, small square setts had been laid in both a Florentine pattern and
traditional courses. Changes in laying patterns on inclines and corners helps reduce wear
and tear from vehicles and in drainage gullies the setts were also laid perpendicular to that of
the carriageway.

Outside the city wall I witnessed a shared space approach to the link between the old city
and a modern shopping centre. At this point a busy road that bypasses the old city has had
all road markings removed and the same material is used across the footways and
carriageway. The confusion created slowed vehicles down and made it much easier for
pedestrians to cross the road.

Lessons: The walled city has had to find an approach to manage traffic that recognises the
different demands on it at various times of the year. The approach to ban all but essential
traffic in the summer months appears to work very well and create a safe and friendly
pedestrian environment. The approach to maintaining a high standard throughout the walled
city is also commended, rather than reducing the quality to make the money go further. The
use of lights set in the ground along the promenade, rather than installing intrusive railings,
reduces the potential clutter adjacent to the beach and open sea.





Pedestrianised streets during the
summer months allow visitors time to
relax and enjoy the historic environment
No motor vehicles allowed into the walled
city during the summer
New benches on the promenade
designed and manufactured locally
Narrow residential streets with the
traditional rough cobbles help to slow vehicle
speeds
Shared Space between the city walls
and the modern shopping centre
Concrete sheep are functional and distinct to
Visby
Visby

Kalmar

Located in Smland in the south-east of Sweden, Kalmar is a small city situated by the Baltic
Sea. It has a population of around 35,000 and from the thirteenth to the seventeenth
centuries, Kalmar was one of Sweden's most important cities. In the centre of the new city,
the Kvarnholmen, that was planned and built in the 17
th
century is a square that has great
historical and cultural importance for Kalmar. Stortorget, as it is known, was the location
for religion, justice, education and administration. Today it is dominated by the Baroque
cathedral which sits within the square.

Some 10 years ago the municipality joined forces with the Swedish Public Art Council and a
local amenity society and invited proposals for the renewal of the Stortorget, the final
project of seven in the Kvarnholmen aimed at strengthening the commercial, cultural and
administrative functions of the area. The aim was to recreate it as a flexible public space
where people could meet and enjoy themselves and enjoy various activities and events. The
competition was won by British architectural practice, Caruso St John in collaboration with
Swedish artist Eva Lfdahl. They had recognised the historical context of the square and the
materials that had been used to make its, albeit worn-out, surface. Their implemented
scheme has extended the original cobblestone paved areas, removed the definition of the
roads around the square, created smoother pedestrian paths and introduced art features
that use water to provide a link back to the days when the Stortorget provided wells as a
source of water for residents. Unfortunately, these features have since failed. Modern
lighting columns also feature as part of the project, effectively single steel poles with a
coloured light at the top.

The implemented scheme has restored the historic character of the square and reduced the
impact of the motor car. The car has not been banned from the square, but it is restricted
to paths around the edge, defined only through the extensive use of steel bollards. The
rough finish helps to reduce traffic speed and create a feeling that the car is intruding into an
historic space. During the day the square is a quiet place with just a few street cafes, albeit
these were never part of the original plan. It is not a shopping centre and the market still
not does function well on the square because of its separation from the main shopping
streets. However, the restoration has renewed the historical connections between civic
building and space, creating once more a place to meet and to hold civic events.

Prior to work commencing the Swedish government listed the square, therefore requiring
a licence to undertake the renewal works. That licence was granted in March 2002 and the
works commenced in April 2002, taking one year to complete. The project cost was 7
million Swedish Kroner (just under 600,000 at March 2009 rates).

Lessons: The most interesting aspect of this project was the listing of the square by the
Swedish government. Suddenly the design and choice of materials was under scrutiny and
the historic environment of the Stortorget became paramount. There were no ugly traffic
signs or road markings and it was like going back to a city before the car had been invented.
The use of local materials was also significant, as few places can boast that the source of the
stones is the fields surrounding the city!



Kalmar
Rough cobbles help to reduce traffic
speeds
Stones for the surface were collected in
nearby fields
A mix of smooth paths and rough spaces
One of the water features providing sound
and light
The plaque to denote that the square is
listed
The baroque cathedral forms the centrepiece
to the square and is framed by modern light
columns
St Gallen
The city is located in the eastern part of Switzerland and its origins can be traced back to
the 7
th
century. In 747, a Benedictine abbey was founded and the whole abbey precinct was
declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1983. Many of the houses and
buildings date from the 16th and 18th century. However, the citys architecture is one of
significant contrast, with recent contemporary additions to both buildings and public spaces.
Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava has designed three features across the city, including a
modern entrance to an emergency call centre adjacent to the monastery walls, and a bus
shelter.
The most striking and renowned feature of the public realm in the city is the Citys Lounge
located in a modern office development adjacent to the historic core. The project, financed
by the adjacent insurance and banking businesses, has involved the laying of a red rubber
carpet across the streets and spaces between the office buildings. The carpet even covers
the seating and tables and appears to have covered a car parked in the street. Street signs
are free-standing, almost as if they are standard lamps in a lounge. Vehicles are still allowed
through the area to gain access to adjoining premises, but this ultimate shared space is
definitely designed with pedestrians in mind. Even the street lights look like modern interior
lanterns rather than traditional lamps on a pole.
While the project is somewhat eccentric, it does demonstrate that it is possible to create
modern spaces without using stone or other hard materials. However, the use of the
material for the surface does create its own problems. In order to clean it, a special vehicle
had to be commissioned at some considerable cost, which has also been paid for by the
project funders. In addition, where repairs have had to be made to underground services,
the joins in the material have left an untidy appearance and there is also some evidence that
these joins are coming unstuck. The day-to-day cleansing of the area is also paid for by the
adjoining businesses.
In the older part of the city, there is evidence of recent investment in the public realm.
Granite block paving has been used to define carriageways in pedestrian priority areas, with
a mix of colours used to define certain focal points. Modern information points are also
installed, similar to the type now being found in a number of cities around Europe including
the City of London.
Lessons: The city lounge is a creative public realm solution to a modern development.
Clearly maintenance is an issue and the ongoing funding arrangements needed to be secured
when the work is commissioned. However, like any street and square, the carpet is a
solution for a short period in a longer lifetime. The surface will not survive the elements as
long as stone and at some point the city council and/or the businesses will have to invest in a
new surface.

Everything is red, including the water
feature
Cars and pedestrians share the carpet
A parked car has even had the carpet
treatment
Traffic signs appear to be standing on the
carpet
Parking spaces are defined by graphics
and the street lights have huge modern
shades
St Gallen
St Gallen
Entrance to Pfalzkeller (monastery
district) designed by Santiago Calatrava
Bus shelter designed by Santiago Calatrava
Recent traditional paving scheme in the
shopping centre
Abbey Precinct information point
Recently completed paving scheme in
historic centre illustrating use of
different colours
Berne
The historic city of Berne is the fifth largest in Switzerland with a population in excess of
120,000 in the urban area. The city centre is largely medieval and is listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Due to the large number of important buildings in the old city the
need for access has been a particularly difficult issue to manage. There are few totally
pedestrianised streets and many carry buses, trams and motor cars. However, vehicles have
not been allowed to dominate the most important historic streets and there is little
evidence of road markings and traffic signs to detract from the historic environment.

One particularly recent scheme has been the refurbishment of the Bundesplatz, or Federal
Square. In 1992 the city invited entries to refurbish the square, but it was not until 2003
that the project was finally implemented, opening in August 2004 after a one year
construction. Minimal clutter on the square enables it to become a location for political
rallies, concerts, sports events, the twice weekly street market and, due to the installation of
fountains, a place where young and old meet and play. Many of these activities were
witnessed during my short stay in the city.

More information on the project can be found at http://bundesplatz.bern.ch/federal_square

Lessons: The federal Square solution demonstrates the importance of using high quality
materials and having a determination to succeed in the long term. It took 12 years to
complete this project, but the materials and solution should last for many years before it
needs further capital investment. The square also illustrates the multi-faceted uses of public
squares, from meeting places, markets and places to see or be seen.



Berne
The Bundesplatz is a venue for:-
fun and games with the fountains.....
....traditional produce markets.....
.....and marching bands. The square is surrounded by
government buildings providing its
historical context.
Even when the fountains are not on, the
square is still somewhere to sit and relax
Underground recycling bins elsewhere in
the city
Biel-Bienne

This Swiss city is located at the border between the German and French speaking parts of
the country, hence the twin name. It has a population of around 50,000 and the historic
part of the city contains a gothic church dating back to the 15
th
century. However, my short
visit to the city was confined to the Zentralplatz where recent works had been carried out
in accordance with the principles of shared space. The central area is the junction of seven
roads and an important thoroughfare for cyclists and pedestrians as they move through the
city. Some 12,000 cars, 1,000 buses and many cyclists and pedestrians traverse the square
each day

The solution was to create a better balance in the distribution of space for users. The result
has been classified as an Encounter Zone by the Swiss government, something similar to
the shared space initiative in the Netherlands. The same gravel set in tarmac surface has
been used across the square, whether for vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Minimal stone
kerbs with no road markings create a sense of space that does not belong to any one
particular user. A water feature is located in one area, while a street cafe is also a
prominent feature in the space. Prior to the refurbishment, in 2002, some 80% of the
square was occupied by roads. Now the edges are blurred and, as a consequence, the space
has once more become a place for people to meet and not just pass through on their way to
other parts of the city.


Lessons: The solution has certainly created a better and more pedestrian friendly space.
However, the traffic speeds still remain relatively high and as a consequence it is difficult to
cross the roads at times. The principles of shared space do not appear to be adhered to
as drivers still treat pedestrians in the road with distain.
The traffic signs, although minimal, are quite ugly and utilitarian, detracting from the overall
quality of the scheme. It may have been better to have specially designed features if it was
deemed necessary to retain the traffic signs.

Biel - Bienne
Shared Space approach to Zentralplatz,
with the carriageway line defined by a
different material
The traffic signs look out of place and
detract from the quality of the overall
scheme.
Traffic still tends to dominate the square Later work, like placing this sign in the
square, has not integrated well.
A water feature adds interest Zentralplatz is a more relaxed place to
meet, rather than a thoroughfare to
elsewhere
Bordeaux

With a population of over 1,000,000 Bordeaux was one of the largest cities visited in this
study. Bordeaux is home to one of Europe's biggest 18th century architectural urban areas
and one of the first French cities to have entered a period of urbanism and masterplanning.
The historic part of the city is described on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "an
outstanding urban and architectural ensemble" of the 18th century. The construction of a
new tram network across the city has brought with it a number of improvements to the
public realm. The main inspiration for my visit was the Place Pey Berland, a central square
dominated by the cathedral and the separate 15
th
century Pey Berland Tower. The area was
originally dominated by cars circling the cathedral, but the arrival of the tram in the square
removed cars from two sides to make way for the tram and facilitated creating more space
for pedestrians. The scheme, designed by King Kong Architects from Bordeaux, creates a
pedestrian space on two sides of the cathedral while on one side the space is dissected by
the tram and a road still runs along the other side, albeit shared with another tramline.

The surface consists of very large slabs interspersed with rectangular opaque glass lights as
well as brass plaques telling the story of the square and people associated with its history.
Main lighting is provided by contemporary flood lights in the corners of the square. They
provide, in themselves, distinctive architectural statements even when they are not lit. A
row of bollards is the only distinction between the pedestrian area and the tram line and
vehicles also have limited access to the square, primarily to access underground parking. A
tram-stop is located adjacent to the Tower, comprising a raised platform and an opaque
glass screen. Stone benches in the same material and colour as the surface, are provided
around the square with lighting underneath to highlight their existence at night. Cafes are
populating the space and overall the noise of traffic circling the square has been replaced by
a relaxing environment that is appropriate for such distinctive and important buildings.

Elsewhere in the city, the arrival of the tram has been the catalyst of further significant
investment in the public realm. In addition, a strategy adopted in 1996 sets out a charter for
the creation of better places for pedestrians across the city supported by the Mayor of
Bordeaux. One unique project is the construction of the Miroir deau opposite the Place
de la Bourse, which is the largest mirror of water in the world. Pumps below the surface
allow the creation of a 2 cm stagnant pool of water enjoyed by young and old followed by a
fog that creates an eerie mist that people disappear into. When still, it creates a perfect
mirror of the symmetrical buildings of the Place de la Bourse and the fountain of the Three
Graces. Vehicles and trams pass through the square and wide pedestrian crossings are
positioned at each end to enable the large numbers of people to cross between the
promenade of the Garonne river and the old city.

In the Place de la Comedie, the arrival of the tram was also the catalyst for the makeover of
this square, located in from of the Grand Theatre and Grand Hotel. The removal of through
traffic has provided a space that, like other interventions in the city, has provided a much
better setting for the historic buildings.

For more information on the projects visit the Voirie et places pages of the Bordeaux
council website at www.bordeaux.fr Information on the Place Pey Berland project can be
found at www.kingkong.fr
Lessons: Bordeaux is provides an example of major investment in both public transport
systems and then public realm that few cities can match. However, the principles of the
projects provide a pallet of ideas to be translated into scheme in other cities, such as the use
of public art and ensuring major infrastructure projects also provide additional benefits.
Bordeaux
Place Pey Berland at night Ground lighting in the Place Pey Berland
Floodlights in the Place Pey Berland Tram lines and pedestrian square
Bordeaux
The city tram doesnt require overhead
lines thereby reducing the associated
clutter. It also demonstrates that trams
dont have to go along over roads
Distinctive railing designed specifically
for the location
Inner city bus service Place de la Comedie and Grand Theatre
at night
The Miroir deau provides
opportunities for fun whether it is
flooded.......
.......or creating a mist.
Bordeaux
Note the raised metal divider between
the tram line and pedestrian area
Subtle markings to distinguish a cycle
lane
In this part of the city, lights are used to
define the kerb line
This pair of Tortoises are very popular
with children and prove the value of
public art.
The Miroir deau opposite the Place
de la Bourse.
A narrow city street with the
carriageway defined by bollards rather
than paint
Dijon

The city is the historical capital of Burgundy and has a population of around 150,000. The
centre of the city retains many historic buildings dating back to Baroque and Renaissance
periods and many 18
th
century homes still remain occupied in the city centre. My main
purpose of studying Dijon was to view the Place de la Liberation, a semi-circular space in the
heart of the historic centre that was built between 1682 and 170. The space has been
transformed from a car dominated area to one that provides a more appropriate setting for
the Baroque Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne on the northern edge. The space that exists
today is the result of a number of improvement schemes that have taken place over the
years, but this is by far the most radical in that it has removed all vehicles with the exception
of buses passing through the square and other vehicles with access permits. The square
today consists of a route with stops in front of the palace while the remainder of the space
is reserved for pedestrians and street cafs and three sets of water fountains which also
contain lights to provide interest at night.

A noteworthy feature of the square is the apparent increase in water flow/height in the
fountains when buses are approaching. This has the effect of drowning out the intrusive
sound of the motors. Rising bollards are positioned at each end of the pedestrian area to
enable vehicles to access properties and streets to the south of the area. Studs within the
paving denote the vehicle route, which is also used by the city electric powered mini-bus
which runs through the historic core where larger vehicles would be unable to access.

Elsewhere in the city, there was a fine example of managing traffic in narrow historic streets.
The road, a one-way street, had been brought up to the pavement level with no delineation
between carriageway and footway other than different surfacing. This approach appeared to
work well for slowing traffic down and allowing pedestrians less obstruction to crossing the
road. The point at which the carriageway was brought up to the footway level comprises a
sharp edge of paving of around 30-40mm that required drivers to slow down or face the
consequences. This was an interesting alternative to the traditional ramp, although I did not
witness how cyclists handled it.

Lessons: The refurbishment of the Place de la Liberation has created one of the most
attractive squares that I visited during my study. It has not totally excluded vehicular traffic,
thereby retaining movement and life, but has created a destination for cafes and a place to
catch the bus that is safe and attractive. The only drawback for bus users was the lack of
shelters, although their provision at the bus stop would have had a significant detrimental
impact on the setting of the adjacent palace.
The use of a small electric bus within the city also provided an example of maintaining public
transport access to historic streets without the use of intrusive and noisy vehicles.








Dijon
Seating with lighting underneath The fountains in the Place de la
Liberation are not only functional, but
also provide a point of interest
Looking across the road to the square.
Note the same coloured surface
materials throughout
Street cafes are now becoming
established in the square
At night, the fountains light up to
provide a further focal point
The benches are popular for people
waiting for buses
Dijon
The electric powered city bus has access
across the pedestrian area of Place de la
Liberation
Bringing the road up to the pavement
level with a bump!
Skateboarding was also causing damage
to street furniture in Dijon
A waymarker for the city heritage trail.
Panoramic views of the Place de la Liberation
Besancon

The city is located in the eastern sides of France close to the Swiss border. With a
population if around 220,000 it is the capital of the Franche-Comte region. Much of the built
form in the centre dates from the 17
th
century walled city built in Vaubans classic star
shaped design. The city was added to the UNESCO World Heritage sites list in 2008 in
recognition of the links to the works of Vauban. Much work has been undertaken in recent
years to improve the public realm, including the major reconstruction of the Place de la
Revolution, which was completed in 2005 and has involved the removal of parked cars and
the recreation of a grand square. The finished scheme uses primarily small square blocks set
in a pattern of traditional courses with granite kerbs delineating between the pedestrian area
and a tarmac roadway through one end along which services vehicles and buses pass. The
main feature of the square is the fountain which has been retained. Around the square are
important public buildings as well as cafes that have expanded into the open space.

There has also been significant investment in the streets of the city centre, including the
pedestrianisation of the Grand Rue and the Place Louis Pasteur. In the latter, recent works
were nearing completion during the time of my visit and included the removal of a 1960s
water feature, repaving, the placing of new bespoke seating and the planting of a semi-
mature tree. In order to allow the tree to establish, it was protected by screens that also
provided information about the whole project.

Another useful idea from the city was the positioning of chewing gum collection sheets next
to litter bins. People that have finished with gum are able to stick it on paper sheets rather
than leave it on the pavements. This initiative appeared to work as there was little evidence
of gum on surfaces. A cycle hire scheme, called Velocite, was also operational in the city
that appeared to operate along the same lines as that in Trondheim.

Lessons: The removal of parked cars from the Place de la Revolution and the creation of a
large space for pedestrians has been a brave move. The square is not as busy as the
shopping streets and other spaces around the city, but it does enable the historic qualities of
the buildings that surround the square to be appreciated.
The provision of information about the ongoing public realm improvements in Place Louis
Pasteur is useful for both resident and visitor alike.

Besancon
The refurbishment of the Place de la
Revolution provides an environment to
better appreciate its historic character
Bespoke planters and new street cafes
Vehicles are still allowed through parts
of the square, but road marking do not
exist to help the driver
The fountain remains the focal point of
the Place de la Revolution
Paper sheets above litter bins enable
chewing gum to be disposed of without
making a mess on pavements
Tree guards and grills have been
especially designed and manufactured for
Besancon
Lyon

Frances second largest city and capital of the Rhone-Alps region, Lyon is a UNSECO World
heritage site and has many architectural and historic landmarks. The city has a large number
of public squares and grand boulevards, as well as a rich mix of narrow streets in the more
medieval area of Saint-Jean and the Croix-Rousse. The City Councils website notes that:

Since 1989, more than 150 public spaces in Lyon and the metropolitan area have been remodeled
by famous French urban designers and landscape artists. Each has his own style but created a
unified and coherent space thanks to a common set of guidelines used by all. Measures taken in
favor of enhancing public spaces are an integral part of an overall policy concerning town planning
which includes, among others, the new Lighting Plan, a Green Plan (protection of nature areas), a
Blue Plan (development of the river banks and their environment) and a Color Plan (palette of colors
imposed on buildings along the quays and large complexes). Lyon's program of renovating and
developing public spaces has won the city recognition as a European innovator in the field of urban
design.
One particular street of note is the Rue de la Republique, the main shopping street in the
old city. The refurbishment of this important street was designed by Alain Sarfati which has
resulted in a pedestrianised street with minimal obstruction and a focal point of a water
feature in the Place de la Repuplique. The 9million project has been completed for a
number of years and is not showing any particular signs of deterioration. Vehicular access is
allowed across the street, but this is not a dominant feature and very much requires vehicles
to give way to the high flow of pedestrians.
Elsewhere in the centre, the Place des Terreaux has also been the subject of significant
investment resulting from a design by Christian Drevet and Daniel Buren. It is the second
largest square in the city and surrounded by some of the citys most important buildings. A
design that makes reference to the nearby presence of the Saone and Rhone rivers makes a
strong use of water. A grid of small fountains set into the ground that across the square
allows the transformation from fountains to reflecting pools to, when not in use, a dry
square that can be used for other public functions.
However, my visit highlighted some maintenance issues with the installations and it is
apparent that some significant investment will be required soon to bring the square back to
the quality of the original installation.
For more information on public realm projects in Lyon see:
www.lyon.fr/vdl/sections/en/urbanisme/espaces_publics and www.sarea.fr/
Lessons: The main lesson learnt from Lyon is the need for continued maintenance for
projects. There were signs that projects that had a major capital investment were showing
signs of wear and tear due to the lack of ongoing maintenance.
Lyon
Streets in the old quarter and pedestrian
friendly and retain many original features
The Place des Terreaux is a popular
meeting point in the city
Maintenance in the Place des Terreaux
is becoming an issue
Rue de la Republique is pedestrian
dominated but does not restrict traffic
from crossing it
Place des Terreaux - note the
aluminium railings between the
carriageway and pedestrian area.
Patterning across the Place des Terreaux
becomes functional as it is continued on
the highway
Gent
Also spelt Ghent, this city is the capital of the East Flanders province of belgium. In the
middle ages it was one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe and much of its
medieval architecture remains intact. Today the population is in excess of 200,000 and is
also home to 26,000 students at the local university. The city council was a prominent
participant in the Liveable Cities project.

The City Council has embarked on an ambitious programme of regenerating the main public
spaces and other streets in the historic core. The historic streets and squares had become
cluttered by parked and moving cars and all the associated street furniture required to the
manage traffic. It was decided to reclaim the spaces for the city as part of a major
investment programme that sought to make it a destination for visitors that would normally
bypass it for Bruges or nearby Antwerp. The regeneration of the public realm has had to
take account of the need to maintain access for trams and, where necessary, motor vehicles.
But at the same time, the spaces in the centre have been transformed into places to meet
and to stage events. There is a year round programme of activities in the spaces including
concerts, markets and performances.

In addition to works around the traditional historic streets, work also took place along some
of the riverbanks that pass through the city. New pedestrian paths have been created as
well as modern footbridges to encourage movement by foot and cycle.

Lessons: The regeneration of the streets and spaces in Gent has demonstrated that in order
to attract visitors it is necessary to have a good quality public realm that provides a
welcoming place that can be adapted for a number of functions, such as the many festivals
that now take place in the city centre.





Gent
New surfacing and street furniture Subtle distinction between footway and
carriageway
New seating No railings between footway and canal
A somewhat large sign at the entrance
to the pedestrian priority area
New paving and street furniture
St. Niklaas

Also situated in East Flanders, St Niklaas has the largest market square in Belgium which is
overlooked by the 19
th
century city hall constructed of typical Flemish proportions. The
Grote Markt had long been the subject of proposals to rid it of the car and replace it with a
space that the city could be proud of. Eventually Cepezed Architects based in Delft were
employed by the mayor to design the refurbishment of the area. The solution, championed
by the Citys Mayor, was the removal of cars by placing a car park underground and devising
a simple flow of vehicles around the market place, leaving the central area free of obstacles.
A boardwalk was provided around the square, creating a promenade for users while the
central area was kept totally clear of obstacles, enabling the square to be used for events
such as an annual hot air balloon festival. Public art adds to the perimeter, with both
traditional statues and more modern interpretations. A number of bus shelters are located
around the perimeter and entrances to the square are marked by shelters that mark
where thoroughfares leading from the square are.

In the centre, the square has been designed so that it is not totally flat, but has a slight hump
in the middle to provide a better perspective across its huge expanse. The square performs
a number of functions, being the location for markets and other civic events including a hot
air balloon festival.

The project was completed in 2005 and the cost of the whole project was 66 million.

Lessons: The Grote Markt is not only a huge space, but it is also a focal point for a large
number of trips in St Niklaas. The project has taken a huge commitment from the city
council to invest significant sums into the space and the result is a managed space with
movements kept to the outside that does not inhibit access to the middle by cyclists and
pedestrians. The use of wood to create a boardwalk provides a softer approach and one
that is clearly popular with residents.

St Niklaas
The wooden decking perimeter, looking
towards the city hall
Cepezed Architects
Public art plays a unique role
Underground car parking and bus lane Decking and small brick paviours
The size of the square can be
appreciated from this photograph
Cepezed Architects
Lift to underground parking and
entrance to the Grote Markt
Cepezed Architects

Mechelen

The city of Mechelen lies midway between Brussels and Antwerp and, although much of the
built fabric dates to the 16
th
century when Margaret of Austria was designated regent of the
Netherlands, the origins date back much further in history. Saint Rumbolds Cathedral and
the distinctive facades of the surrounding buildings dominate the historic core, built around a
series of open spaces.

Towards the end of the 20
th
Century there was significant out-migration from the centre
and businesses went into decline. Vehicles took over the public spaces and the Grote Markt
turned into a large open-air car park while the nearby Veemarkt became subsumed by the
terminus for urban and regional bus networks.

Commencing in the 1990s, the city began to invest in the urban fabric, with the most
significant decision being to pedestrianise the major road crossing the centre and linking the
Grote Markt to the railway station. In addition, underground car parks were built beneath
the Grote Market and Veemarkt, reducing the pressure on the city centre and, once
construction work had begun, the City Council invited entries to renovate the surface of
both squares.

The Grote Markt scheme has essentially repaved the whole of the square in one palette of
small setts and a minimum use of street furniture. Stairway entrances to the underground
parking are marked by glass screens as are the lift chambers. Where kerbs exist, they are
faced with either aluminium or stainless steel to provide a distinction between footway and
roadway.

The Veemarkt has been transformed into an orderly bus terminus through a contemporary
design and the use of modern materials. Benches are made of glass which not only provide
lighting in the evening, but also provide natural light to the underground parking during the
day. The pedestrian surface is a distinctly red material but the roadways continue to use the
distinct small granite setts found across the city centre.

In another quarter of the city centre, the former Lamot brewery has been regenerated to
create a congress and heritage centre and is popular with students. It is located next to the
Dijle river and the embankment has received a contemporary treatment that is a popular
location for street cafes. A new bridge crosses the river to provide a link to the historic
centre. Elsewhere, in the vicinity of the Vrouwekerk, the streets and pavements merge into
one, with only changes in the direction of paving delineating between the carriageway and
footpaths.

Lessons: The significant investment in the regeneration of Grote Markt and Veemarkt has
created spaces that, while using contemporary solutions to street furniture, respect the
significantly important historic setting. Once again, as with so many examples visited, the
solution has used minimal approaches to the supply of street furniture..
Mechelen
The refurbishment of the market place
has allowed the many historic buildings
to have an appropriate setting
Kerb faces are clad with metal to
improve visibility
Underground car park entrance The new bus station in Veemarkt
In the vicinity of the Vrouwekerk, the
streets and pavements merge into one
Unique pedestrian waymarking
Namur
The capital of the Walloon region of Belgium, Namur has a population of just over 100,000
that is swelled considerably by a large student population. The city has a chequered history,
due to its location near the French and German borders.

The city council employed a local architectural practice to design improvements to the
streets and squares, which were becoming dominated by vehicular traffic to the detriment of
the environment. Atelier 4D devised a strategy for the improvement of the main spine
through the city centre, from the station south to the castle, with improvements to the main
spaces on the way. The main implemented project has involved the transformation of Place
dArmes, where the traditional stone surface has been replaced by raised wooden decking
across the whole square with matching seating. The result is a very quiet atmosphere where
sounds are absorbed by the wood and where people actually sit on the floor, something
never experienced on stone surfaces. The surface does become slippery when wet but, as
the architects I interviewed stated, you expect wood to be slippery when its wet and are
duly cautious. He suggested that such a risk was not sufficient enough reason not to use
wood as a surfacing material. Public art in the corner of the square reflects the connections
to the local snail trade, acknowledging too the proximity of the French border.

Elsewhere in the city, the architects plans have not come to fruition, somewhat to their
frustration. They feel that the city council has lost its nerve and bowed to the pressure of
the car driver seeking to find parking places as close to the centre as possible. This is very
much in evidence and some of the streets are heavily trafficked, making it difficult to cross
the road. There appeared to be no appetite to complete the project and this had left the
practice very frustrated.

For further information visit www.atelier4d.be

Lessons: The successful use of wood as a surfacing material was the main outcome of the
visit to Namur. It is a much softer material than stone and has added benefits of absorbing
sound. Although acknowledged as being slippery when wet, it is probably no worse than
polished paving.
In addition, it was clear that there were tensions between the architectural practice that had
drawn up the strategy for the historic streets and the city council that had changed its mind
about investing further in the streets. Unfortunately, the real benefits of creating a
pedestrian friendly historic core had not therefore been realised.

Namur
The wooden surface encourages people
to sit on it
The square in 1990, dominated by cars
Atelier 4D
Public art, reflecting the importance
locally of snails
The wooden decking design is continued
on the benches
A water feature is located in one corner
of the square
Aerial view of the completed project
Atelier 4D
Conclusions

The wide range of projects and cities visited provided examples of such a diverse range of
projects in the historic public realm that it is impossible to report the projects and draw
conclusions in a few paragraphs. However, it is clear from all the projects that there is a
much more conscious effort to maintain high quality streets and squares in European cities.
Major investment is taking place for a number of reasons, primarily to manage the motor
car, as well as preserving the historic environment.

Public art and local distinctiveness play important roles in any designs, from the red carpet of
St Gallen to the functional design of street furniture in Odense with the Hans Christian
Andersen theme. Different types of surfacing material are also apparent, sometimes
reflecting local sources, but primarily imported in from other countries.

Responsibility for the design of schemes has rested on a number shoulders, but it is clear
that architectural practices play a significant role in the design and implementation of
projects, whether employed by local authorities or as part of a tender process.

At the end of the study, the statement that made most impact on me came from Michiel
Cohen of Cepezed Architects, the designer of the St Niklaas Grote Markt project. He said
that:

The design should not be teleological, as I formulate this, i.e. it should only be a functional
intermediate phase in a continuous process. Never a final solution, since these do never
have a long lifetime, but a single step in an evolution. So it attains a functional durability.

The design has to be made at eye-level. Most town planning is done from birds eye view.
What I like most coming to Sint Niklaas is the fact that nobody seems to hesitate even in
this enormous space. It seems to be intelligible immediately to all.

The lessons I have gained from the range of different examples that I have visited as part of
this Scholarship have already had a significant impact on the way I view and contribute to
proposals for improvements to the public realm in my own council. I am also able to add
the lessons to my knowledge from the Manual for Historic Streets in the many presentations
that I am asked to make on the subject to various audiences both in the UK and abroad.


Thanks
It would not have been possible to complete this Scholarship without the assistance from a
number of people and organisations. In particular, my thanks are extended to:
x CABE Space
x St Edmundsbury Borough Council
x Mike Loveday, Norwich HEART
x Teresa Olsen
x Supersonic Travel
x Michael Cohen, Cepezed Architects,
Delft
x Rian Bolder, Zutphen City Council
x Joris van Esch, sHertogenbosch City
Council
x Thomas Lorner, Bamberg City
Council
x Jette Flinch-Nyrop, Odense City
Council
x Ann-Margrit Harkjer, Trondheim City
Council
x Ingrid Satherto, Trondheim City
Council
x Lars Gronberg, Visby
x Mats Hagland, Kalmar City Council
x Lars Gemzoe, Gehl Archiects
x Christian Thomas, Swiss Pedestrian
Association
x German Pedestrian Association
x Marc Pinte, Gent City Council
x Dany Poncelot, Atelier 4D, Namur
Extension of Living Room into street,
Delft
Tandems arent always necessary to
carry two people, Delft
No road markings, but buses are
allowed through the historic core of
Nurenburg
Recent environmental improvements
outside St Michel Cathedral, Brussels
Public realm also extends to riverside
sitting area in Zurich
Smooth slabs for cycles and buggys are
also common practice in Copenhagen
Other cities visited