Taking road space from motorists can be politically risky, but in Milan – one of Europe’s most congested cities – it’s starting to pay off.
In 2018, the municipality launched its Piazze Aperte ‘Open Squares’ initiative, using paint and planters, benches and ping-pong tables to reclaim public space for people to enjoy.
“It all started in Dergano,” said Milan’s Mayor Giuseppe Sala.
“Its historical piazza sat lifeless, merely a sea of empty asphalt and parked cars – [but] this resurgent neighbourhood [has] been reborn.”
The project was carried out in collaboration with Milan’s Mobility and Environment Agency (AMAT), Bloomberg Associates, the National Association of City Transportation Official (NACTO) and the Global Designing Cities Initiative. The temporary nature of the interventions makes it possible for cities to act quickly and test solutions that can be reversed if needed.
During the pandemic, the programme was accelerated, with 38 pop-up community areas established. When coupled with the city’s Strade Aperte “Open Streets” scheme – which created 68 kilometres of pop-up protected cycling infrastructure – the changing landscape is clear to see. But it hasn’t all been plain sailing – getting public buy-in has been crucial.
Read the full article on Cities Today
Author: Christopher Carey
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