An interesting look at a different approach to street design
highlighted in red: Exhibition road
Veichular road, pavement and public sitting area/parking are made of the same material (blocks) and exhibit the same, continuing pattern. Small design details are used to indicate the boundaries and are only visible by the pedestrian when encoutering such boundary (such as when crossing the main road). such design details include water drainage, texture change, steel studs in the ground, a slight step (where the bus stop stands) or regular lamp posts between car and public areas
Whilst one may be aware of the differences in zones and at times see cars moving through the road. The entire space reads as one, continuing, open space and so feels like one could walk freely without obstruction. This approach to street design brings the pedestrian-automobile networks to a new level (especially in a city such as London where vehicular transport in the city-center is heavily relied on). It attempts to blend the boundaries and give the both pedestrian and drivers the control over managing their interactions. the fact that there are almost no crossing point/ zebra lines for pedestrians to cross suggests that there is no ‘right’ place to cross.
An idea that -one could say- challenges the ‘nanny state’ view.
olgamuna 