Making Pedestrian Friendly Public Streetscapes

IBI Group was retained by the City of Kitchener in 2007 to redesign the core streets in the downtown, which involved developing a Streetscape Master Plan for King Street and the City Centre District. The plan was based on the principle that an investment in high quality public realm will serve as a catalyst for private sector investment, intensification and renewal of the City Centre District in the downtown Kitchener core.

Project Overview

Kitchener King Street and City Centre District

Kitchener, Ontario

IBI Group was retained by the City of Kitchener in 2007 to redesign the core streets in the downtown, which involved developing a Streetscape Master Plan for King Street and the City Centre District. The plan was based on the principle that an investment in high quality public realm will serve as a catalyst for private sector investment, intensification and renewal of the City Centre District in the downtown Kitchener core.

The project was completed in the Fall of 2010, after two years of construction. It was successful in working with the Downtown BIA as well as co-ordinating with several of the major events that take place in the downtown core including; Cruising on King Street, Bluesfest and Oktoberfest.

The project showcases several innovative design features including; removable bollards to allow for flexible sidewalk/parking and road closures, infiltration grates to direct stormwater runoff to planter beds and semi mountable curbs to improve pedestrian accessibility. Other key elements include the doubling of the urban street tree canopy, generously wide sidewalks, two revitalized public plazas, various seating types, bike racks, and public art that all promote a vibrant pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

Overall the project was an enormous success as recognized by being awarded the “Green Streets Canada – 2008/09” by Tree Canada, the “Community Places Award – 2010” by The International Making Cities Liveable organization and a Unilock Streetscape Award 2011.

What Is a “Pedestrian-Friendly” Streetscape?

The Kitchener project is a shining example of a pedestrian-friendly streetscape, which is an emerging trend in cities throughout North America and around the world. As the term implies, this type of streetscape features a walkable street design that makes it easier to navigate on foot. When executed correctly, a walkable city concept can transform an urban area, making it more liveable and cosmopolitan for residents, as well more attractive to both suburban dwellers and tourists.

Elements of a Pedestrian-Friendly Street Design

The components of a pedestrian-friendly street design can vary from one city to the next based on factors such as accessibility, availability of financial resources and practicality of altering the existing infrastructure and traffic flow. Security is also a primary consideration — the increase in volume of foot traffic requires more stringent safety measures. Typical examples of a walkable city concept include:

• Smaller blocks: Partitioning sprawling city blocks into smaller sections filled with stores, shops and restaurants creates a more intimate feeling and generates the perception of walking shorter distances. It also reduces the intimidation factor posed by towering, stately looking government and office buildings.
• Entrances on sidewalks: Constructing buildings with entrances located on the sidewalk makes them more inviting to pedestrians and creates a sense of coziness and security.
• “Hidden” parking: To many folks, visible, wide-open parking lots in front of buildings or shopping malls exemplify suburbia at its worst. They also detract from a well-designed city streetscape. A pedestrian-friendly street design includes out-of-sight subterranean parking structures that provide easy access to the streetscape’s attractions.
• Reliable mass transit system: A clean, modern transportation system consisting of buses, subways, streetcars, light rail trains and more is essential for escorting people from the suburbs, as well as helping people who want or need to ride instead of walk navigate around the city when they arrive. The system should include stops at or near the most popular sites and attractions.
• Abundance of comfort features: People who are spending a day or evening on foot may need a place to relax and refresh that doesn’t require walking into a building or making a purchase. A walkable street design should include numerous park benches, water fountains and trash cans scattered throughout the area.
• Bike/pedestrian paths: Specially constructed pathways for bikers and pedestrians help them avoid vehicle traffic and provide easy access to the streetscape’s most prominent features.
• Visible landmarks: Features such as statues of famous people with ties to the city, unique pieces of art and historical structures provide points of reference for visitors that help them find their way around. They also offer excellent photo opportunities for tourists.
• Physical barriers for protection: In areas exposed to heavy pedestrian traffic, it may be necessary to create a buffer to separate people from vehicles. Removable bollards placed between pathways or sidewalks and the street offer a portable security solution that can also protect buildings and storefronts.

Contact Blockaides to learn more about creating a pedestrian friendly streetscape and other ways to make cities friendlier to pedestrians.

Project Credits

Landscape Architect & Urban Design: IBI Group

Civil Engineer: IBI Group

Bollard Manufacturer: Blockaides, Inc.

Photos Courtesy of: Landscape Architect, Urban Design & Civil Engineering: IBI Group

See the article as written on Landscape Online