Lankhorst, Ann (2020) A qualitative and quantitative unpacking of spatial, social and political dimensions of Shared Space. Evidence from the Mariahilfer Straße in Vienna. Master thesis.
|
Text
Thesis SSP Ann Lankhorst (s2524244).pdf Download (13MB) | Preview |
|
|
Text
Appendix E & F.pdf Download (603kB) | Preview |
Abstract
In the academic literature the concept of ‘Shared Space’ is not often addressed, and the research that has been conducted on this topic thus far has focussed on the design and functioning of Shared Spaces. The literature search only turned up a single study pertaining to people’s subjective perceptions of Shared Spaces. Therefore, this study aims to address this knowledge gap by applying both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Additionally, this study will evaluate the use of Shared Space as a tool to enable spatial distance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept of Shared Space revolves around the integration of different road users by designing the street as a place to ‘sojourn’, rather than as a traffic artery. The research strategy applied in this thesis is a case study, focussing on Vienna’s largest shopping street, the Mariahilfer Straße. Viennese politicians perceived the Shared Space as the political process that preceded the implementation. Experts from academia and practice criticized the decisions made by politicians and did not perceive the Shared Space in the Mariahilfer Straße as Shared Space, both due to its design and the dominance of cars. The perception of the general public in Vienna was determined by the behaviour of the other road users in the Shared Space. This perception often resulted in feelings of unsafety and cautious behaviour. The value of Shared Spaces for the purpose of spatial distancing remains unclear. Research also indicated that the perception of Shared Spaces is highly influenced by the behaviour of road users. It also showed that laws and regulations can significantly hamper the efficiency of a Shared Space. As such, policy makers and planners should consider these social and political dimensions when planning to implement a Shared Space.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Society, Sustainability and Planning (MSc Socio-spatial Planning) |
| Supervisor: | Yamu, C.H. |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Jul 2020 12:45 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Jul 2020 12:45 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3228 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |