Auckland's CBD Into the future
Auckland's CBD Into the future
Back to Street upgrades >>
Shared space
Shared space is an
urban design concept that aims to
combine rather
than separate the functions of a street.
Through
specific design, management and maintenance, streets that incorporate the shared
space concept
seek to remarkably
improve the environment for people, without needing to ban traffic.
The most
recognisable characteristic of shared space is the absence of conventional
traffic signals, barriers, signs and road markings.
This encourages motorists to
slow down, engage with their surroundings and make eye contact with pedestrians
resulting in a safer, higher quality and more usable street area. Within a
shared space, pedestrian have the legal right of way, however they must be aware
and have consideration for vehicles using the street.
Our design for
shared space areas within the CBD, includes a level paving surface across the
full width of the street, removing the traditional distinction between the
footpath and road. This will provide more space for people, outdoor dining areas
and street furniture, helping to create an enjoyable space for people to spend
time in.
The shared
space concept was developed by pioneers in urban design, such as Hans Monderman.
Shared space is
considered to be
at the forefront of international urban design best practice and has been introduced successfully in a number of countries around the world
including Australia, Britain, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Where shared spaces have been introduced, city streets have been reclaimed as
high quality spaces that have attracted more people and the safety, quality and
economic performance of these spaces have been measurably improved without
having to ban traffic.
Why are we
considering shared space?
For Auckland to
compete with other international cities, it is vital we look at best practice
urban design initiatives like shared space to provide an environment which is
more pedestrian friendly and attractive.
Introducing shared
spaces as part of the
CBD streetscapes upgrade programme will help to achieve Auckland City
Council’s
vision for Auckland’s CBD to be one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic
cultural and business centres.
The principle
benefits of introducing shared space into the CBD environment will be:
- lower vehicle speeds, whilst retaining access for traffic
- improved pedestrian priority and increased space for pedestrians within the
streetscape
- increased cohesion and connectivity within the streetscape
- increased flexibility of the streetscape environment as a public open space
enabling greater use for diverse street activities
- opportunities to better support business and retail activity and function as
public open space.
Where are we
considering shared spaces?
Shared spaces are
proposed within several projects under the CBD programme:
- Elliott Street (within the Elliott Street and Darby Street upgrade project)
- Fort Street area upgrade including Jean Batten Place, Fort Lane and within the
eastern and western sections of Fort Street
- Lorne Street outside the library (within the Lorne Street and Rutland Street
upgrade project)
- O’Connell Street.
Streets within the
CBD streetscapes programme were assessed for their suitability for shared space
by looking at factors such as the level of current and likely future pedestrian
activity, traffic volume, surrounding use and the potential for transformation
into a distinct CBD destination.
Council will be
seeking public feedback on the proposed designs for the streetscape upgrade
projects, and for the shared spaces design concepts within them.
 |
 |
| Elliott Street currently. |
Artist impression of the proposed design for Elliott Street. |
Updated August 2009
