Waagmeester, Rens (2023) Reclaiming Car Space in City Centers. Bachelor thesis.
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Reclaiming car space by Rens Waagmeester Resit.pdf Download (2MB) | Preview |
Abstract
This research aims to examine the processes of reclamation of space from cars as part of the mobility transition and to answer the research question ‘What are the barriers and accelerators for the processes of returning car space to public space in city centers?’. In addition to a literature review, a comparative case study was conducted, involving interviews, analyzing the restoration of the canal ring in Utrecht and the proposed reopening of the southern and western canals in Amersfoort. These case studies provide insight into the processes and challenges of canal reopening projects. The Utrecht case illustrates the successful restoration of canals once drained to accommodate car-centric development. The process involved citizen initiatives, strategic lobbying, and a focus on the positive economic and environmental impacts of canal reopening. In contrast, the Amersfoort case is still in the early stages of implementation, with a citizens' initiative driving the vision of transforming the city's ring road into a park and prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists. The research identifies the need for a balance between mobility and livability as a key spatial factor, highlighting the need to reduce or redirect traffic flows to other modes of transport to ensure the success of car space reclamation projects. Other important factors include citizen engagement, political support, specific urban planning visions, and the consideration of environmental and climate benefits. The findings highlight planning for climate resistance, public-private partnerships, and comprehensive visions for urban development that prioritize sustainable mobility and livable cities as important accelerators. A lack of these factors would be a barrier.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Degree programme: | Spatial Planning and Design |
| Supervisor: | Bahrami, F. |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Jul 2023 11:32 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Jul 2023 11:32 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4309 |
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