FoC_URBAN URBAN ELEMENT- Transportation

Where are we seeing this already? In 2021, the Swedish government began a new policy to repurpose redundant road infrastructure and improve local communities by introducing more amenity space. Similar to Paris’ policy of removing 70,000 car parking spaces, the Swedish authorities plan to discourage car use by filling car parking spaces with tables, benches and plants. The plan is that a range of modules used in different configurations could provide places to sit and eat, urban gardens, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, bike storage, and electric scooter charging points. Local communities are consulted as part of the process, and installations are currently being trialled in Stockholm. Further sites in Gothenburg, Helsingborg, and Malmö are in different stages of completion. This hyperlocal approach to planning is built around the concept of the one-minute city (building on the 15-minute city), a movement that wants people to make small, achievable differences that will all add up to something bigger. Moving forward, this kind of policy may become more widespread as a means of quickly repurposing roads and transport infrastructure to provide greater amenity space within residential areas of cities as the promotion of pedestrianisation and ‘walkability’ continue to remove vehicles from our streets. Other examples: Curitiba Transport System, Seoul Integrated Transport System, Portland, Istanbul.

Takeaways » Fewer commutes as more people work partially remotely. » Denser, greener cities are now more walkable and accommodating for cyclists due to the removal of cars and reduction in delivery vehicles. » Public transport provides links across polycentric cities. » Some redundant roads and railways have been repurposed to provide urban green space. » Much of our historic road network remains unchanged but it underutilised for greater periods.

What might this mean for your business? Get in touch with one of our Future of Cities team who can help with strategic evaluation, horizon scanning, scenario planning and future proofing: futureofcities@cushwake.com

A Cushman & Wakefield expert will be in touch...

URBAN ELEMENT: Transportation

3 Cushman & Wakefield | Future of Cities |