How superblocks can free up and improve CBD space for the people of Melbourne – a step-by-step guide

Sat, 3 Dec 2022 23:04:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/how-superblocks-can-free-up-and-improve-cbd-space-for-the-people-of-melbourne-a-step-by-step-guide-193860>

"For 185 years, Melbourne’s Hoddle Grid – the ordered layout of CBD streets and
blocks designed in 1837 – has dictated the flow of people and vehicles in the
city centre. But how well does the grid serve 21st-century needs?

Melbourne faces three interconnected challenges that conflict with a
business-as-usual, car-based grid. These are: how to end the dominance of cars;
how to respond to the reality of the city centre as a residential area; and how
to “reignite” post-pandemic activity in the CBD.

Superblocks are an approach, pioneered in Barcelona, to making urban areas more
liveable and people-friendly.

A superblock covers an area of multiple city blocks – typically nine in a 3x3
format – that excludes through traffic. In this space, cyclists, walkers and
residents have priority, though cars still have low-speed access to all
buildings within the area. Superblocks transform formerly car-dominated streets
into public spaces that can be used for a range of activities.

We have developed a step-by-step approach to introducing superblocks to
Melbourne."

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics

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