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SHAPING THE URBAN PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY SPACES IN WROCLAW

J. Wiszniowski

Abstract

The degree of satisfying the mobility needs acts as a determinant of the quality of life in the city. Simultaneously, urban transport is a source of numerous nuisances and threats due to excessive growth of motorization. The development of pedestrian traffic, on the other hand, is a solution to many problems faced by large cities. In this context, it is worth asking a following question: How should urban spaces that encourage pedestrian traffic be planned and shaped? The comfort of pedestrian traffic does not depend merely on the surface and width of a lane. It would be truly demanding to assess the attractiveness, safety or convenience of pavements separately from the context of buildings, functions or greenery etc. The development of pedestrian traffic is also closely related to the development of public transport, bicycle traffic and the increase of the attractiveness of public spaces as well as improving daily travel destinations. Due to the scale and level of these links, integrated, complex activities, which cover various areas of the city's functioning, are required. A growing number of pedestrians on the streets or city squares means there are more opportunities to meet, which, furthermore, contributes to social development. This growth of pedestrian traffic in the structure of daily travel also improves the health of urban residents by building up their physical activity. At the same time, the use of public transport is increasing. The city planning that is oriented towards the development of pedestrian traffic enhances the cohesion of urban structures, densification of the connections network and balancing urbanization processes as well as improvement of the natural environment quality. Pedestrian-friendly city is attractive for residents, investors and tourists. The subject of the research is the conditions for the development of pedestrian traffic in the city of Wroclaw with the population of over 600,000 residents. The cognitive goal is assessment of the city spatial development policy and the impact of institutional, economic and social factors on the shaping of public space. The practical effect of this research is to determine the requirements that ought to be met by the urban environment to ensure optimal conditions for the development of pedestrian traffic. The gathered knowledge will support the implementation of a new culture of mobility through appropriate planning of urban space. The paper describes the significance of planning the space that is favorable for the development of pedestrian traffic. Its conditions, potential and threats have been considered. The fundamental requirements, which should be met by urban public spaces, have also been defined. The solutions based on the practices and experience of institutions of the city of Wroclaw as well as Polish obligatory legal standards have been presented.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2018H/51/S17.036

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