From Transport Hub to Shared Space: Walkability and Pedestrian Color Experiences in the Transformation of a Public Square

From Transport Hub to Shared Space: Walkability and Pedestrian Color Experiences in the Transformation of a Public Square

Chapter in a book

This chapter considers how facade colors, which were evaluated using methodology from (Ensari and Akbay in Walkability and Colour Experience: Façade Colours and Pedestrian Walking Preferences on Urban Streets, 2018), impact pedestrian movement when navigating city squares. A correlation between visual appeal and route choices was assumed. Palacký Square is a 40 (60) m × 150 m rectangle with an asphalt surface suitable for vehicular traffic. Bordered by townhouses with three historical monuments occupying its central axis, the square is used primarily for parking and forms part of a transport hub that includes a row of adjacent bus stops. Currently, transport suppresses ancillary functions, limiting the area's potential. Our team conceived the square as a shared space and recommended diverting traffic away from the area while adding greenery. Proposals were presented to the public in June 2024 along with questionnaires for providing insight into the response to facade colors and individual designs, feedback which the town can then use when creating the competition brief for the renovation of the area. We believe this project has contributed to increased civic engagement in determining the final appearance of the square and will result in the seamless integration of historical landmarks and public spaces, creating a vibrant, colorful area for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

This chapter considers how facade colors, which were evaluated using methodology from (Ensari and Akbay in Walkability and Colour Experience: Façade Colours and Pedestrian Walking Preferences on Urban Streets, 2018), impact pedestrian movement when navigating city squares. A correlation between visual appeal and route choices was assumed. Palacký Square is a 40 (60) m × 150 m rectangle with an asphalt surface suitable for vehicular traffic. Bordered by townhouses with three historical monuments occupying its central axis, the square is used primarily for parking and forms part of a transport hub that includes a row of adjacent bus stops. Currently, transport suppresses ancillary functions, limiting the area's potential. Our team conceived the square as a shared space and recommended diverting traffic away from the area while adding greenery. Proposals were presented to the public in June 2024 along with questionnaires for providing insight into the response to facade colors and individual designs, feedback which the town can then use when creating the competition brief for the renovation of the area. We believe this project has contributed to increased civic engagement in determining the final appearance of the square and will result in the seamless integration of historical landmarks and public spaces, creating a vibrant, colorful area for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

Pedestrian movement; Facade colors; Public space; Civic engagement; Shared space

Pedestrian movement; Facade colors; Public space; Civic engagement; Shared space

PALACKÝ, J.; DOKOUPILOVÁ PAZDERKOVÁ, K.; HRUBANOVÁ, D.

21.11.2025

Springer Nature Switzerland

Cham

978-3-031-94821-3

Cities’ Identity through the Art of Urban Spaces

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI)

309

319

11

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-94821-3_27