Bern — An Altstadt for all

Bern An Altstadt for all

Public Space & Public Life Study 2017

David Sim — Partner, Creative Director Birgitte Svarre — Associate, PhD Lisa Müller — Dipl.-Ing., M.Arch.

Jonna Ekholm – Assisting Architect Gehl Vesterbrogade 24, 5th floor 1620 Copenhagen V Denmark www.gehlpeople.com mail@gehlpeople.com

D

Das Zentrum von Bern hat für seine vielfältigen Besucher verschiedene Bedeutungen. Für einige ist es einfach ein Ort in ihrer Placeholder Nachbarschaft, für viele ist Stadtzentrum, für introduction - toes bedas updated by city of Bern andere the wiederum die regionale und nationale Hauptstadt. Es ist ein Ort zum Leben, zum Arbeiten, um Geschäfte zu machen, zum Einkaufen, zum Entspannen, zum Protestieren und zum Feiern – all dies gleichzeitig!

Es ist nicht ganz einfach, diese vielfältigen Identitäten in Einklang zu bringen und im Rahmen der Auflagen des UNESCO-Erbes dennoch das Leben in der Stadt weiter voranzutreiben. Diese Vielfalt aus Gebäuden und Lebendigkeit ist jedoch ein großer Vorteil der Berner Innenstadt. Die Vorzüge sowie die Herausforderungen des öffentlichen Raums und Lebens der Berner Innenstadt werden in der Studie zu öffentlichem Raum und öffentlichem Leben beschrieben. Das Ziel dieser Studie besteht darin, die Berner Innenstadt basierend auf den Empfehlungen aus der Analyse zu optimieren.

Da die Verwaltung von Bern sich dazu entschieden hat, das Fußwegenetz der Berner Innenstadt in den nächsten Jahren auszubauen, um seine starke Position als attraktive Fußgängerumgebung in der Stadt sowie der Region zu erhalten, werden aussagekräftige Daten zur aktuellen Nutzung im Zusammenhang mit der Qualität des Netzwerks von öffentlichen Plätzen benötigt.

XXXXX Stadt Bern, Februar 2017

Contents Introduction

04

Getting to know Bern 06 Small area - high pedestrian numbers 08

Analysis & Recommendations

16

A green & blue network 18 Embrace the green and blue landscapes 20 — Case Nydeggbrücke 22 What Bern could be in the future 24

Gehl approach & PSPL studies 10 Highlights from the Altstadt 12 Potentials & Challenges 16

Life in the Altstadt 28 A welcoming, inviting city for all 30 — Case A local meeting place 32 What Bern could be in the future 34 Walking along 36 Getting around 38 Towards a balanced transport system 40 — Case Marktgasse 42 — Case Better balance 44 — Case Improve the sidestreets 45 — Case Aarbergergasse to Postgasse 46 — Case Bundesgasse 50 — Case Activate the Alleyways 52 What Bern could be in the future 54 Using public space 56 Towards a public space network 58 — Case Kleine Schanze 60 — Case Casinoplatz 62 — Case Public seating 64 What Bern could be in the future 66 Elements and identity 68 Underline the city's unique character 70 — Case Stadtbach 72 What Bern could be in the future 74 Summary of recommendations 76

DRAFT January 2017

Introduction

Bern Altstadt

Getting to know Bern Bern, the capital of Switzerland is located in the west of the country. It was founded in the 12th century and is located on a hill surrounded by the River Aare. In 1848, Bern became the federal city. Today it is both a capital with large, monumental, administrative buildings as well a relaxed city to live in or visit. The population of Bern is growing, so more and more people will use the Altstadt in the future.

Zurich : 416 000 citizens1 Geneva : 202 000 citizens2 Basel : 176 000 citizens3 Lausanne : 144 000 citizens4 5 * Bern : 142 000 citizens

city populations of the 5 biggest swiss cities in 100.000

Schaffhausen Basel

city location

St. Gallen Zurich

Centrally and beautifully located With 140,000 inhabitants, Bern is the 5th largest city in Switzerland after Zürich, Geneva, Basel and Lausanne. It is wellconnected – approximately one hour by train to Basel, Zürich and Lausanne and two hours to Geneva. The Altstadt is located at the heart of Bern on a peninsula surrounded by mountains and the river Aare.

Aarau Solothurn Zug Neuchâtel Bantiger

Wohlensee Bern

Luzern Bern Chur

Fribourg

Altstadt Lausanne

Gurten

Aa

re

Sion

Bellinzona

Geneva

A growing city

Intr o duc tion

1191

2016

Tomorrow

Zähringerstadt

Unesco World Heritage

A capital for all

The plan of Bern has a typical Zähringerstadt layout with two orthogonally crossing main streets, whereof one is wider. Today, the Marktgasse is still one of the widest and busiest pedestrian streets within the city. Zürich, Thun and Freiburg are other Zähringerstädte.

The Altstadt was declared Unesco World Heritage in 1983 and has quite high numbers of tourists visiting; 436,000 per year (2015). Despite the cultural heritage and the tourists it is not a museum, but a lively, walkable and bikeable capital with a high number of events.

After years of stagnation, the population is growing again in Bern and expected to be 157,000 in 2030, a growth of 12% from 2015-2030. Only 3% (4,600) of Bern's current 140,000 inhabitants live in the Altstadt, but it attracts many more people everyday for working, sightseeing or leisure.

6 * population numbers from Sept/Oct 2016 1 https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/prd/de/index/statistik/themen/bevoelkerung.html, Oktober 2016, 12.12.2016, 16:30 2 http://www.statistik.bs.ch/haeufig-gefragt/einwohner/grafiken-zahlen-einwohner/einwohnerzahl.html, Tabelle T01.0.01. Bevölkerunsbestand 3 http://wvww.ge.ch/statistique/population_residante/welcome.asp#1, population résidante par sous-secteur, 2016, T.01.02.1.2 (.xsl) 4 http://wwwv.bern.ch, Statistik Stadt Bern, Monatsbericht, Oktober 2016, p.1 5 http://www.lausanne.ch/lausanne-officielle/administration/securite-et-economie/controle-des-habitants/statistiques/evolution-mensuelle-nombre-habitants-en-2016.html, 12.12.2016, 16:40

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

World heritage in a spectacular setting

Small area — but high pedestrian numbers Bern might be one of the smaller capitals of the world with a concentrated city center, but the pedestrian numbers of Marktstrasse are high!

Compact inner city

300m

62x

300m

300m

300m

58x

Bern Altstadt

57x

Bern Altstadt

Bern Altstadt

Bern

London

Paris

New York

Old town 0.85 km2

Congestion charge zone (2002) 24.7 km2

1ST- 10th Arrrondissement 23.3 km2

Manhattan (South of Central Park) 22.8 km2

4,600 residents in the old town 93 residents per hectare 140,600 residents in the city

136,000 residents (2004) 55 residents per hectare 7.8 million residents in the metropolitan area

468,000 residents (2009) 193 residents per hectare 11.7 million residents in the metropolitan area

612,000 residents (2010) 268 residents per hectare 19 million residents in the metropolitan area

Source: www.cchargelondon.com

Source: www.paris.fr

Source: www.nyc.gov

Source: Statistik Stadt Bern, Die WohnbevĂślkerung der Stadt Bern 2015, p.22 (Innere Stadt I, Bezirke 1-5)

Number of inhabitants and pedestrians on main shopping streets number of inhabitants

Intr o duc tion 8

selected city & street

8 500 000

New York, Broadway

5 200 000

Melbourne, Swanston Street 3 300 000

The diagram shows the relation of inhabitants to the average hourly number of pedestrians (Saturday 12:0015:00) on main shopping streets in different cities.

(Gehl, public space public life studies from the years 2003-2016)

4092 4694

London, Regent Street 912 000

Stockholm, Drottninggatan

600 000

Copenhagen, Strøget

140 000

High number of pedestrians

hourly average of pedestrians (Saturday 12:00-15:00)

5573

55%

2248 7665 6212

Bern, Marktgasse

hourly average of pedestrians 8000

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Gehl approach & PSPL studies For decades, Gehl has conducted Public Spaces Public Life studies (PSPL) in cities around the world.

A PSPL provides empirical evidence and arguments for improving public space.

We survey how and why people are moving around, where they stay and what they do? Once we understand the life of a place, we start looking at what changes are needed in the physical environment to create a more sustainable and livable city for all.

Gehl's work is based on the research conducted by professor Jan Gehl. With the human dimension as a starting point, he has worked to improve cities for over 50 years.

MOSCOW TOWARDS A GREAT CITY FOR PEOPLE PUBLIC SPACES & PUBLIC LIFE 2013

Moscow — from car dominated to livable

New York — Streets for the 21st century

With the Public Life and Public Space study published in Moscow in 2013, Gehl contributed to focus on turning Moscow into a livable metropolis.

Since then, the municipality of Moscow has implemented numerous of the suggestions from the report, such as clearing obstacles from sidewalks, extending the pedestrian street network and turning parking spaces into spaces for staying in the city centre.

The NYC Department of Transportation has worked strategically to improve conditions on the city's streets towards the vision of a greener, greater New York with Gehl as a collaborator and PSPL as a tool.

The vision manifests itself in a series of swift and affordable pilot projects along Broadway, reclaiming nearly 45,000 m2 of public space alongside initiatives throughout five districts. The new public spaces have been a huge success, catching the attention of cities across the world.

Gehl Copenhagen

Gehl New York

Gehl San Francisco

Map of the cities where Gehl has worked over the years. Gehl has offices in San Fransisco, New York and Copenhagen.

2012

2013

2014

Adelaide, Australia Moscow, Russia

Oslo,Norway Mar del Plata, Argentina

Eskilstuna, Sweden Shanghai, China

2015

2016

Bern, Switzerland

2011

Almaty, Kazakhstan

2010

Hobart, Australia Launceston, Australia Melbourne, Australia

2009

Istanbul, Turkey Auckland, New Zealand Chongqing, China

Copenhagen, Denmark

2008

Christchurch, New Zealand

Cape Town, South Africa Stockholm, Sweden

2007

Perth, Australia

2006

Svendborg, Denmark Odense, Denmark Seattle, Washington, USA

2005

Sydney, Australia New York City, USA Rotterdam, Holland

2004

Zürich, Switzerland London, England Melbourne, Australia

Intr o duc tion 10

Public Space Public Life Studies by Gehl

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Bern study & methodologies Registrations in Altstadt of staying activity and pedestrian movements have been carried out in 2016 on selected days with weather conditions that enable staying activity to reflect days with potential for public life. The primary registrations in September 2016 on weekdays and weekend have been conducted with the support of Bern based Kontextplan.

study area locations of pedestrian flow registrations (counting in both directions, weekdays: 8am - 9pm, weekend: 10am - 6pm) staying activities registrations (Aug /Sep 2016) every 2nd hour, weekdays: 8am - 8pm, weekend: 10 am - 6 am study area (survey Bären Waisenhausplatz March 2016) every 2nd hour, weekdays: 8am -8pm, weekend: 10 am -6 am locations of pedestrian flow registrations (counting in both directions, weekdays: 8am - 9pm, weekend: 10am - 6pm staying activities registrations (survey Bären Waisenhausplatz March 2016)

Ho

dl er st ra ss e

Predig ergass e

Unterer Waisenhausplatz

Kubus (temporary)

Neueng

asse

Zeugha

igasse

sse

a Postg

usplatz

usgass

Bahnhof

e

ldgass

a Posth

Nägel

e

Kornha

Oberer Waisenhausplatz

Rathausgasse

Nydeggas se

Rathausplatz

Nydeggbrücke

sse

keitsga

Marktgasse

Bärenplatz

Schauplatzgasse

Münstergasse Münsterplatz

Amthausgasse

Bundesplatz

hitg Gerec

Kramgasse

Theaterplatz

e lgass Spita

Casinoplatz Münsterplattform

se esgas

Bund

Kleine Schanze

0m

Pedestrian counts have been carried out on 18 selected streets from 8:00 to including 21:00 on Thursday and from 10:00 to including 18:00 on Saturday. The registered movement patterns of people throughout the day and week can reveal much about the character of urban life.

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Staying activities Staying registrations have been conducted every second hour, from 8:00 to 20:00 during the week and from 10:00 to 18:00 on the weekend. In selected squares, parks, and streets we have observed and noted within predefined categories what people are doing and where the activities take place to gather information of activity levels and types.

100 m

200 m

Additional Surveys registered by Gehl: • Supplementary pedestrian counts • Age & gender surveys • Traffic mode registrations • Public space registrations • Public space evaluation (12 quality criterias) • Sound measurements • Facade analysis • Dialogue and stakeholder workshop January 2017

Intr o duc tion

Pedestrian counts

50 m

11

68 dB Bollwerk

nightlife coffee break from shopping

8166 pedestrians in the peak hour on Saturday, 5058 pedestrians in weekday peakhour at 17:00 ücke

lunch break & enjoying the view

Korn haus br

University Bern

Grosse Schanze Aaber gerga

Schütt estras se

Predig

ergass

e

sse

BärenWaisenhauspl.

Bahnhof

Kindlifresserbrunnen

Rathausgasse

Kornhauspl.

e

gass

Heiliggeistkirche

Spita

Käfigturm

Marktg

Zytglogge

asse

Bundesplatz

Amthausgasse

Kramg

Casino -platz

Bundeshaus se esgas

Bund

b feld

waterplay!

hen

Kirc ke rüc

Intr o duc tion 12

anze

e Sch

Klein

main shopping street Boulevard

Pokemon hot spot 573 people on a weekday at 13:00

almost nowhere to sit on Bundesgasse enjoying the view to the alps while having lunch break Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Highlights from the Altstadt local streets have low noise levels comparable to a quiet suburb (50dB) or a library (44dB) locals enjoying a coffee

a dy are

70dB when cars and buses go by

On Trip Advisor, the highest rated attraction in the Bern region is the Altstadt. The whole neighbourhood is in itself a tourist attraction. Here we have gathered highligths from the Altstadt from both a tourist and local perspective. We have also added a few highlights from the public space public life study. surfing

Postgasshalde

stu Rathaus Rathausplatz

gasse

Münstergasse

Münster

Münsterplattform

petanque & ping-pong, café & playground movable red chairs

go for a swim on a hot summer day

Re commendations

sitting on the stairs at the waterfront

13 walk your dog along the Aare Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

mehr Platz für (Jugend)kultur

Grosse Schanze Abend & Wochenende attraktiver gestalten

besserer & sicherer Zugang zur Aare, auch in der Nacht (Beleuchtung)

wunderbar ÖV-frei!

Treffpunkt, Einstieg in die Stadt Bern

Innenhöfe zugänglich machen

fehlende direkte Fussverbindung

mehr Wasser auf dem oberen Waisenhauspl.

mehr Platz für Veloverkehr! hier fehlt eine Fassade

zu viele Kommerzläden, null Leben nach Ladenschluss

weniger Parkplätze, beleben

Schauplatzg. aktivieren (Fussgänger, Velos)

Schattenseite aber Potential

ÖV freie Gassen massiv mehr Lebensraum!

leider imm Souvenir-L und Banke ÖV raus!

zu viel ÖV!

Busse&Tram in den Gassen

Re commendations 14

keine Vermarktung der Tram Oberfächen! Das verträgt kein UNESCO Weltkultur Erbe

zu viel ÖV!

Seitengassen besser beleuchten (trotz Denkmalpflege) beleben! zB. mit Gastronomie oder regelm. Markt

keine Vermarktung des öffentl. Raums

n D o

Restauraun ÖV im Ringverkehr führen!

Fussgängerbrücke

potentieller Jugendraum (Sa Abend, Wochenende)

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

l!

Challenges & Potentials This map shows the result of a stakeholder workshop held in January 2017. It shows challenges and potentials of the Altstadt today and gives an insight into local opinions, reflections and thoughts on what could improve in the future.

Zahlbare Parkplätze im Parking f. Anwohner und Geschäftsbertriebe

mehr Platz für velofreundliches Pflaster, weniger Platz für MIV, keine Parkplätze

mer mehr Läden en

bessere AufenthaltsMöglichkeiten bei Brunnen

besseres Verhältnis Fussgverkehr Aufenthaltsqualität

nur am Tag des Denkmals offen - beleben! zugänglich machen

Aufwertung Aarstrasse quote

Re commendations

nt

velofreie Fusswege zum Träumen

potential challenge

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

15

DRAFT January 2017

Analysis & Recommendations

Analysis A green & blue network Bern is naturally connected to the surroundings via the river, Aare, as well as the beautiful surroundings that are visually present in many parts of the city. The topography represents both qualities and challenges, and the connections to the green surroundings and the Aare can be improved and emphasized.

Lorrainebrücke

On a smaller scale, blue and green elements are present within the actual Altstadt. Water is running below streets and there are many fountains, both prominent as well as anonymous ones. Greenery is present on a large urban scale in form of popular parks and trees. Small, green elements are found at restaurants and at private homes. All the green and blue elements can be reconnected and reinvented to new needs.

Botanischer Garden

green areas

5 min walk

parks tree height lines (5 m spans) Aare Stadtbach fountain access to Aare view points

Kornhausbrücke Grosse Schanze

Untertorbrücke 505 m

Rosengarten 11min walk

Bahnhof 542 m 545 m

Nydeggbrücke 519 m

530 m

Bärengraben

Münsterplattform

A naly sis

Kirchenfeldbrücke

Bundeshausterrasse

Aare

Kleine Schanze

18

0m

50 m

100 m

200 m

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Unique topography and spectacular views The Altstadt is built on a sandstone ridge, encircled on three sides by the Aare flowing through a valley.

Due to its extraordinary topography, some buildings drop down steeply and narrow, twisty streets or stairs are winding down to the river. This contributes greatly to the city's unique character, but is also creating difficulties for certain user groups in terms of accessibility. The topography also allows for great views towards the surroundings, which is enjoyed by many, but the view points are not always offering a high staying quality.

Many terraces offering spectacular views over the city.

But how to reach those great natural facilities?

Despite a dense inner city, green elements are present.

But some of the green areas are underused or closed to the public.

Urban green in Altstadt at both a large and small scale.

But some areas are very heavy in concrete and offer no green at all.

Water as a prominent feature in the surroundings and in the Altstadt.

But in some places, the blue potential is hidden.

A network of green and blue surrounding the Altstadt The dense urban fabric is embedded in a belt of lush greens. The greenery is often not accessible – on the northern end of the Altstadt the greenery is very steep, shady and not offering much staying quality. On the southern end, much of the green areas, gardens and terrraces are closed to the public or difficult to access. The access to the waterfront can be a challenge due to steep paths, insufficient wayfinding elements and lack of lighting at night.

Green elements of different scale Within the Altstadt, the greenery is represented in different scales: on a large scale due to the view into the surrounding green areas, on a medium scale through a number of lush parks and treelined viewpoints, on a small scale through planters from StadtgrĂźn or flowerpots at restaurants or at private homes. These different types of green are very concentrated in some areas and could be better distributed and extended, as some squares and streets do not offer any green at all.

Blue elements present in the city

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

A naly sis

The Aare river is very present in the Altstadt through its blue colour, its sound but also its recreational character with people swimming and surfing.

Even within the center, a range of blue elements can be found. The new waterplay at Bundesplatz is attracting both young and old for playing and staying. Historical fountains are present in nearly every street and connected underground through a water channel. The channel is only visible along Gerechtigkeits- and Kramgasse, partially covered with a gutter.

19

!

Celebrate the unique setting

Recommendations Celebrate the unique setting Embrace the green and blue landscapes !

The views and surroundings can be celebrated even more - with better connections, more invitations to enjoy the views and better access. The small scale green as well as blue structures and elements within the Altstadt should be emphasized as well.

1

Greater invitations to enjoy the view

2

?

!

3

Easier access to the Aare

?

!

Maximize the potential of the unique topography

? ?

! !

• Protect spectacular views from being disturbed by

Re commendations

unwanted elements or buildings also in the future.

• Improve and diversify the quality for staying on the view terraces (such as at the upper level at Kleine Schanze and around Grabenpromenade).

• Add other options than walls and benches for sitting: why not play chess in front of a great view, why not add more comfortable seating options so that people spend more time?

• See the Aare as an element in Bern's fine

grain public space network – better access and wayfinding is crucial.

• Add activities and seating possibilities along the water to create points of interest to reach.

• Continue efforts to make the Aare accesible in a barrier-free manner, such as with the elevator project at Kornhausbrücke.

• Good lighting is key – make sure that reaching the river banks is inviting at all times, even at night.

• Good wayfinding concept.

• The views contribute greatly to connecting the

inner and outer and the lower and upper parts of the city - emphasize them!

• Easy and public access to not only the blue, but also to the green is as important as enjoying it from a distance.

• See the steps, slopes, paths, stairs and streets as potentials to create scenes, new experiences and activites along the way.

20

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

4

Emphasize the blue elements

Celebrate the unique setting

5 Celebrate the unique setting Highlight the existing greenery and add new forms

? ?

• Highlight existing small-scale water elements,

• Create better connections of different green areas by filling the gaps between the large scale green belt and small scale greenery.

• Preserve the old trees and maintain them. ! – suiting the • Develop new types of greenery character of the city but with a modern touch.

• Use new greenery on the side ! streets to make them more attractive for walking and staying.

• Emphasize the use of local species of greenery, such as geranium or rediscover forgotten greenery.

• Initiate projects that encourage private greenery.

Re commendations

such as the fountains.

• Introduce new water elements, such as the waterplay on Bundesplatz, which encourage different age groups to interact.

• Uncover the waterways in more streets, in order to activate side streets and add character.

• Highlight the Stadtbach and set it into scene, without it being a hazard for the disabled and for traffic.

21

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

AVERAGE

12

13

14

15

16

17

Case Nydeggbrücke

Best practice

Bern Stationary Summer 2016

Refurbishment of the Banks and Bridges of 08 September Weekday From noisy bridge to pleasant stop the River Ljubljanica, Nydeggbrucke Over time, the Ljubljanica river had lost its leading role as Ljubljana's preeminent public space as the majority of river spaces were dominated by vehicular traffic and parking, while very few were exclusively pedestrian.

Throughout the project "Refurbishment of the Banks and Bridges of the River Ljubljanica" the banks of the river have been transformed 13 12 into quality public areas for citizens and visitors. The distances have been shortened with the construction of new bridges, footbridges and the renovation of nine bridges across the river.

The powerful impact of this project can be seen on the example of Triple Bridge, which has become purely pedestrianized, with improved paving and greater invitations for people to enjoy the view. From each of the side bridges, two stairways lead to terraces situated just above the river, where poplar trees were planted to contribute to the overall 8 AM 10 appearance of the Bridge. It is of no surprise that Ljubljana won the European Prize for Urban Public Space for this project in 2012.

today 18

12

potential • great view to the Aare and the surroundings • historic heritage with small 16 14 2 1 characteristic, scale-pavillons • old cobblestones • highly frequented by tourists walking to Bärengraben or Rosengarten, stopping to take a photo or selfie on the way

Average of all staying activities

Commercial

0.0%

Cultural Activ

0.0%

Physical Acti

Clear throughout the da Min 11° Max 26° Wind 0m

72.4%

Standing

27.6%

Waiting Trans

0.0%

Bench Seating

0.0%

Cafe Seating

27.6% waiting 0.0% for public transport

5

5

AVERAGE

challenges • modes of transport not in balance 14 16 18 20

Secondary Se

0.0%

Movable Seati

0.0% 0.0%

Lying Down

0.0%

Commercial A

0.0%

Cultural Activ

0.0%

Physical Activ

Children Playi

72.4% standing

- 45% share of pedestrians have 34% of the space, 48% cars have 66 % of the space Traffic modes (counted individual - Barely any bicycles pedestrians and vehicles in %) - 36 parking lots on the bridge, which are 2% public transport diminshing the staying quality.

Tram Nydeggbrücke 18 cars 48% Bus • high sound levels Car due to high numbers of traffic and 45 % cobblestone paving, Nydeggbrücke is almost Motorbike pedestrians as noisy as Bollwerk (average noise levels).

Bicycle - 68 db on NydeggbrückePedestrian Bicycle Motorbike Car Bus Tram Pedestrian - 68 db on Bollwerk - 60 db on Marktgasse motorbikes 3% 2% bicycles Tram Kornhausbrücke 18 - 56 db on Münstergasse

300 250 200 150 100 50 0

Bus

Area laid out for cars (66%) and pedestrians (34%)

• no possibilities to stay and enjoy the view 72.4 % standing 27.6% waiting for transport Nowhere to sit, nowhere Pedestrian to enjoyBicycle the Motorbike view.

Triple bridge before

City of Ljubljana, D. Wedam

Car

Car

Bus

Tram

34%Aare

Motorbike Bicycle Pedestrian

• unclear wayfinding to the water

Bus

66%

Motorbike

Re commendations

Bicycle Pedestrian

Bicycle

Motorbike

Car

Bus

4074

4000

Tram

(demonstration)

3500 3000 2500 2000 1500

1122

1000 500

22

0 Triple bridge after

8:00

9:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

20:00

21:00

City of Ljubljana, D. Wedam

Thursday

Kirchenfelsbrüc

Car

Pedestrian counts, September 2017 weekday & weekend Pedestrian

Nydeggbrüc

Tram

great views down to the Aare,Kirchenfelsbrücke but how to get 18 there?

4500

Nydeggbrücke

10 AM 11

0.0%

Saturday Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Kornhausbrüc

today

P P

Re commendations 23

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

1

short term

• Parklet principle: only remove some of the parking lots to give space for new types of activities. Try different concepts: pocket parks, seating in relation to the pavillions as well as spaces to enjoy the view • Add seating along the walls • Upgrade the street lights • Open up the two closed pavillions (with commercial and non-commercial functions) and make space for them to spill out on the street • Add bike parking • Level cobblestones in order to reduce the noise levels and bikes to be able to drive better

P P

P

P

the collages are atmospheric images only, meant for inspiration and not final design

Re commendations 24

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

2

long term

• Remove the car parking on the street • Widen the sidewalks – give more space to the pedestrians • Celebrate the view • Level the sidewalks and the street to make it a shared space where cars drive slowly

• In the future a completely car-free bridge could invite people for promenades and staying activities

Re commendations 25

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

er n c W hat B

ou ld b

e f ut u e in th

re ...

" Bern fliessend, nicht nur der Verkehr."

Water going through the city in Freiburg, Germany.

Quotes and selected photos from the stakeholder workshop

" Ein idealer Platz, grün, bunt, Platz zum sitzen und Verpflegung, ohne „voll“ zu sein. "

" Water as a prominent part of the streetscape in Amiens, France.

Water covered, but popping up at selected squares & streets. Bilbao, Spain

Re commendations

"

26 ?, France

Local greenery rediscovered, High Line Park, New York City, USA

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

" GrĂźsse vom Weisenhausplatz!

Hier ist jetzt ein Garten und die Leute sitzen im GrĂźnen, aber nicht mehr auf dem kahlen Boden.

Lustig... "

Overcoming topography with green and accesible connection.

SEB Bank, Copenhagen.

People sitting and enjoying the view to the sea. Lisbon, Portugal

Re commendations

Combining climate adaption and public space quality with rich biodiversity. Climate neighbourhood, Copenhagen

27 San Francisco's Playful approach to natural topography

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Enjoying the panorama in East River Park, NYC

Analysis Life in the Altstadt Bern's Altstadt has different meanings for its diverse visitors. For some it is simply a place in their neighborhood, for many it is the city center, for others the regional and national capital. It is a place to live, to work, to do business, to go for shopping, to go on a

daytrip as a tourist, to relax, to protest and to celebrate – all this at the same time! Bern is both formal and informal, a capital and a residential city. The both local and capital character of Bern is a quality which can be emphasized even more.

tourism:

every day life:

i

school/daycare

information

library

places of interest

restaurant/café

hotel

café seating

culture:

outdoor recreation:

museum theater/cinema

playground outdoor chess ping pong table

Ho

dl er st ra

rgas se

Waise nhauspl atz

Nägel

igasse

Schütte

sse

erge

strass

Predig erga

Aarb

Korn h

ausb

rück e

ss e

e e

sshald

Postga

Neuen

gasse

Bahnhof

Zeugha

usgass

e

sse

Postga usplatz

i

Rathausplatz

Kornha

Rathausgasse

e

gass

s gkeit chit

Nydeggbrücke

i

Gere

sse

lga Spita

Kramgasse

Amthausgasse

Münstergasse

Schauplatzgasse Bundesplatz Münsterplatform

Münsterplatz

Casino -platz

Münsterplatform

sgasse

Bunde

e eldbrück Kirchenf

Re commendations 28

Marktgasse

Kleine Schanze

Aare 0m

50 m

100 m

200 m

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

16,087 inhabitants / km *

Obere Altstadt

Untere Altstadt Matte

A city of different user groups * population/ km2 in average of Bezirk 1-3 and 4-5 (Bevölkerungsdichte) Source:Statistik Stadt Bern, Die Wohnbevölkerung der Stadt Bern 2015, p. 22, Bern, April 2016

Obere Altstadt – work life 74.5 employees / km2 **

5 330 inhabitants / km2 * #1 Altstadt

17.7 employees / km2**

Botanical Garden

Kornhausbrücke

5

Meret Oppenheim Brunnen

Obere Altstadt Heiliggeistkirche

16 087 inhabitants / km2 *

(Tripadvisor)

Kunstmuseum Bern Grosse Schanze

All Altstadt – tourist life

Französische Kirche Kirche St. Peter + Paul KornRathaus Kinderlifress- hausplatz Käfigturm brunnen SimonsbrunZytglogge Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen

Untere Altstadt

Schützenbrunnen

Bärengraben

4

Einsteinhaus Mosesbrunnen Münster

3

2

16,087 inhabitants / km * 2

(Tripadvisor)

2

Obere Altstadt

Untere Altstadt

1

Matte

Bundeshaus

5,330 inhabitants / km *

# 1 sight = the Altstadt as a whole

Rosengarten

Nydeggkirche

nen

Zähringerbrunnen

Untere Altstadt + Matte – local life

Matte

Bundeshausterrasse Kleine Schanze

Historisches * population/ km2 in average of Bezirk 1-3 and 4-5 (Bevölkerungsdichte) Museum ** job density in average of Bezirk 1-3 and 4+5 (Beschäftigungsdichte) Source:Statistik Stadt Bern, Die Wohnbevölkerung der Stadt Bern 2015, p. 22, Bern, April 2016 Source: http://www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/bern-in-zahlen/publikationen/jahrbuch, Jahrbuch 2015 (download), p. 288-289

Obere Altstadt is where most of Bern's administration, representation and offices are 74.5 employees / km2 * located, with around 74.5 employees/km2 (around 5x more than in the lower part). It is in close proximity to the train station which makes it conveniently accessible for people commuting in and out of Bern.

5

#1 Altstadt

# 10 Botanical Garden

4

** job density in average of Bezirk 1-3 and 4+5 (Beschäftigungsdichte) # 9 Kunstmuseum Bern Source: http://www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/bern-in-zahlen/ # 11 Kornhausbrücke # 1 Rosengarten # 25 publikationen/jahrbuch, Jahrbuch 2015 (download), p. 288-289 Grosse Schanze

Meret Oppenheim Brunnen

# 14 Französische Kirche

Kirche St. Peter + Paul

Korn-

# 13 Heiliggeistkirche

Käfigturm

Kinderlifresshausplatz brunnen # 8 Zytglogge # 20 # 21 Schützen-

Zähr- # 7 Einsteinhaus ingerbrunnen # 16 Mosesbrunnen

# 4 Bundesplatz

# 3 Bundeshaus

3

2

1

* Source: Statistik Stadt Bern, Ankünfte und Übernachtungen in Hotelbetrieben. http://www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/bern-in-zahlen/katost/10tou ?searchterm=tourismus

The majority of inhabitants can be found in the lower part of74.5 the employees Altstadt,/ with km2 **16,087 people per km2 - more than 3 x more inhabitants than in the 17.7enjoy employees / km2** upper part of the Alstadt. People the quiet atmosphere, short walking distances, a wide range of amenities of daily life close by and a great public transport system.

Obere Altstadt

Untere Altstadt

* population/ km in average of Bezirk 1-3 and 4-5 (Bevölkerungsdichte) Matte Source:Statistik Stadt Bern, Die Wohnbevölkerung der Stadt Bern 2015, p. 22, Bern, April 2016 2

# 23 denkmal # 12Nydeggkirche

Münster

# 5 Bärengraben

* job density in average of Bezirk 1-3 and 4+5 (Beschäftigungsdichte) Source: http://www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/bern-in-zahlen/publikationen/jahrbuch, Jahrbuch 2015 (download), p. 288-289

Bundeshausterrasse

The Altstadt is the heart of the city, offering various functions, attracting many. It contains a variety of restaurants and bars, a wide range of both large and small shops of great diversity and a range of administrative and cultural institutions. # 19

In 2015, 436,000 tourists arrived in Bern and stayed an average of 1.6 nights*. The Altstadt, UNESCO world heritage, is the city's number one sight on Tripadvisor.

Besides it being the most popular 17.7 employees / km2 * destination, many other sights and various hotels are located within its borders, making the tourists a characteristic part of the Altstadt's public life.

Zähringer-

Rathaus

Simons# 15 brunnen # 17 Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen

A mix of functions and scales brunnen

# 24 A.v.Bubenberg Denkmal

* population/ km2 in average of Bezirk 1-3 and 4-5 (Bevölkerungsdichte) Source:Statistik Stadt Bern, Die Wohnbevölkerung der Stadt Bern 2015, p. 22, Bern, April 2016

Kleine Schanze

Schweiz. # 22 Kunsthalle Schützenmuseum # 18 # 6 Historisches Museum

# 00 : most important sights within the Altstadt and close by Source: Tripadvisor

An old town for all ages Bern's Altstadt attracts an extraordinary variety of people of all ages. Elderly go to the many markets for grocery shopping, teenagers hang out at night on Bundesterrasse or go out in Aarbergergasse, and children enjoy playing at the waterplay on Bundesplatz. Bern should embrace this diversity and create opportunities for all of these groups to meet and interact.

** job density in average of Bezirk 1-3 and 4+5 (Beschäftigungsdichte) Source: http://www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/bern-in-zahlen/publikationen/jahrbuch, Jahrbuch 2015 (download), p. 288-289

Everyday & events

july

june

buskers bern There is a variety of events street music festival for everyone throughout the august whole year: major events in the e.g. summertime range from music 32 weekly markets festivals to marathons through september the city, while the wintertime events all year is characterized by Christmas round short film festival markets and carnivals. Besides october that, many small events take place regulary within the Alstadt, such as zibelemärit a high number of weekly markets.

swiss women run may

grand prix run intern. jazz festival april

Bärengraben

november

Many of Bern's squares are very flexible and able to serve different purposes and audiences.

march

night of the museums

carnival february

christmas markets

december

ice skating (Bundesplatz) january

Re commendations

During the week: children playing with the waterplay on Bundesplatz.

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Tuesdays and Saturdays (08:00-12:00): market on Bundesplatz.

November: 'Rendez-Vous am Bundesplatz' Lightshow attracting a lot of people even on a rainy night.

29

Recommendations A welcoming, inviting city for all During all seasons and times of the year the city should be inviting, welcoming and attractive for different user groups. Also in the future, the Altstadt needs to remain a place of interest for people all ages for Underline the citys of unique... different purposes – living, shopping, working, visiting.

1

Create a lively city all day, all week and all year

2

A greater balance between different user groups

3

Update to accomodate people of different ages and needs

cafe

• A lived city both during the day and at night, with a

Re commendations

good perceived feeling of safety for everyone at all times.

• Active in all seasons - both during the summer cafe (places with shadow, for swimming...) but also in winter (ice-skating rink, Christmas markets...).

• Ensure good balance between everyday and events, without the everyday life being pushed out.

• Ensure a good balance between different user

groups by in different ways attracting them.

• Make sure that tourists do not dominate the Altstadt too strongly.

• People working in the Altstadt should be able to reach their workplace conveniently, enjoy their after work drink or enjoy their lunch break in the sun.

• People living in the Altstadt should find amenities of everyday life in close proximity.

• Tourists should find a place to stay right in the center of town, where they can watch and enjoy the local life.

• Ascertain that the city serves all the different age groups by upgrading public space with suiting facilities.

• Ensure comfortable seating options for elderly.

• Provide places to hang out for teenagers.

• Offer playgrounds and playful streetscape elements for children.

Obst & Gemüse

Bäcker

23a

30

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

cafe

4

Strenghten Bern Altstadt as a great place to live in the future

5

A better balance between different functions

cafe

Obst & Gemüse

Bäcker

23a

• The Altstadt needs to remain an attractive place

• There should be a balance between commercial and non-commercial functions

• Non-commercial seating is especially

concentrated on parks and terraces, but should be available in the whole city.

• Cultural facilities and destinations should be visible and spill out into the public space.

• Small and large shops - Make sure the balance between different types of shop remains. Support the existing variety of both large chains and small, specialized shops add greatly to the city life.

- Allow for new types of retail in empty ground floors, such as temporary pop-up shops.

23a Obst & Gemüse Bäcker

Re commendations

for living and should be affordable for a wide range of people, including students.

• It is key to provide the amenities of everyday life, such as schools, supermarkets, playgrounds and local shops in close proximity to where people live.

• Access to public transportation should be easy and convenient.

31

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Case A local meeting place Emphasizing the local Current situation

16 087 inhabitants / km2 *

5

Districts Districts2 2+ +3 3

Obere Altstadt

1

City CityofofBerne Berne

Small fountain, * population/ km2 in average o Krakow Source:Statistik Stadt Bern, Di

City CityofofBern Bern Population PopulationAge Ageinin%%

17% 17%

68,4% 68,4%

74.5 employees / km2 *

7575

17.7 employees / km2 *

15% 15%

74.5 employees /

0

4

2

3 2525

6,0% 6,0%

2525

68 68 % %

1 16,6% 16,6%

16,8% 16,8%

5

5050

15,0% 15,0%

5050

100 100

* job density in average of Bezirk 1-3 and 4+5 (Beschäftigungsdichte) Source: http://www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/bern-in-zahlen/publikationen/jahrbuch, Jahrbuch 2015 (download), p. 288-289

2

6

Obere Altstadt Porch swings, Philadelphia

** job density in average of Be Source: http://www.bern.ch/th Jahrbuch 2015 (download), p. 2

00

65 - 79 years 65 - 79 years

00

0-19 years 0-19 years 20-64 years 20-64 years

For this young age group, it is key to implement more inner-city playgrounds, add playful elements or sculptures in the streetscape, ensure safe streets to play on, implement corners for teenagers to meet without having to consume anything.

7575

0-19 years 0-19 years 20-64 years 20-64 years 64+ years 64+ years

Looking at the demographics, there are only 6% 0-19 year olds living in the Altstadt district 2 and 3, in comparison to 15% in the overall city. This could indicate that families do not find it attractive to live in the center with their children.

2

3

* population/ km2 in average of Bezirk 1-3 and 4-5 (Bevölkerungsdichte) Source:Statistik Stadt Bern, Die Wohnbevölkerung der Stadt Bern 2015, p. 22, Bern, April 2016

Strenghten the local character of the Altstadt It is crucial to strenghten the Altstadt as a place to live, as the local meeting place that it is. In order to further attract a diverse range of people to live in the Altstadt it is key to cater to the needs of all ages.

Emphasizing the local, informal meeting places, adding elements for play and non-commercial seating is key.

4

77,1 % 77,1 %

Today, there are 4,600 people living in the Altstadt, which makes only 3% of the whole population of Bern. The population forecasts of the Altstadt and the total city paint two different pictures for the future. While the total population in the city will grow, the inner city shows a small but visible drop.

Bern Altstadt needs to continously reinvent itself for tourists, but certainly also for the people living and working there.

5,330 inhabitant

5 330 inhabitants / km2 *

Jahrbuch 2015, p. 37 (www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/ Jahrbuch Jahrbuch2015, 2015,p.p.3737 bern-in-zahlen-publikationen/jahrbuch/alle-jahrbuecher

www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/ www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/ bern-in-zahlen/publikationen/jahrbuch/alle-jahrbuecher bern-in-zahlen/publikationen/jahrbuch/alle-jahrbuecher

Local square, Lyon Bärengraben

Re commendations 32

Rathausplatz, a square with local character, but only café seating

A local corner in lower Altstadt, a meeting point for an older audience

The local square as an extended living room

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

today

after

Re commendations 33

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

er n c W hat B

ou ld b

e f ut u e in th

re ...

Quotes and selected photos from the stakeholder workshop

"Hallo Susy. Nun hat es genügend Sitzbänke für ältere Personen" Sheffield, England

" Nun hat es auch bei uns einen Spielplatz. Wir haben lange genug darauf warten müssen! "

Playful elements and seating possibilities integrated into the streetscape, Copenhagen, Denmark

Re commendations

Local meeting place, Copenhagen, Denmark

34 Playful sculpture at the exploratorium in San Francisco Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

"So viele beleuchtete Fenster an der Gerechtigkeitsgasse an einem Dienstagabend um 22 Uhr. Stell dir vor..."

"

Feeling safe, eyes on the street, increasing residents in the city center, Copenhagen, Denmark

" In der Marktund Spitalgasse kann man nun verweilen.

Nicht nur Modeketten und Ă–V! Kommst du vorbei auf einen Kaffee? " Vienna, Austria

" Ich geniesse gerade den Feierabend in der Marktgasse. Kommst du auch?"

Analysis Walking along

80%

2500 2500

Bern's Altstadt is ideal for walking – everything is within walking distance and functions are located close to one another. The pedestrian numbers are impressive. However, flows are not distributed evenly but concentrated in the upper part of the Altstadt, especially on Marktgasse.

16:00 weekend peak 16:00 weekend peak

more pedestrians on the weekend

pedestrians

2000 2000 1500 1500

17:00 weekday high 17:00 weekday high

12:00 lunch peak 12:00 lunch peak

1000 1000

17:00 weekend low 17:00 weekend low

500 500 0 0

8 8

9 9

10 10

11 11

12 12

13 13

14 14

15 15

16 16

17 17

18 18

19 19

20 20

21 21

time

Weekday – weekend average pedestrian comparison of all locations, showing different patterns & peaks

weekend weekend

Spitalgasse the further away from Spitalgasse, the fewer pedestrians

study area

Nägeligasse strong contrast on parallel streets to Marktgasse: Zeughausgasse: average of 3 x less pedestrians during the week, 6x less on the weekend. Nägeligasse: 20 x less pedestrians

Ho

pedestrian flows (average/hour) counts of pedestrians walking in both directions, weekday, September

Schauplatzgasse

14548 29

alde

Predig erg.

e

6265 3056 Marktgasse

276 282

495 371

usgass

2934 1691

293

e

Rathausgasse

Münstergasse

Amthausgasse Casino -platz

Rathausplatz

2153 691

se Postgas

assh Postg

14684 59

sse

a itsg

e itgk

ech Ger

1646 618 Nydeggbrücke

Kramgasse

1858 534

Marktgasse

z

Postgasshalde very few pedestrians on Postgasshalde – poor walking environment

48 81

strass

1391 892

Zeugha

747

numbers of pedestrians (weekday, Sept -16)

Kornha

usbrüc

ke

1096 796

Schütte

Kornha usplatz

se lgas

Spita

nhau

162

51622 302

Ob. W aise

ngasse

igasse

Bärenplatz

Neue

195 149

Nägel

spl.

4

262 17001

Wais Untere enh r ausp latz

704

rgas se

rga sse

Waaghausg.

erge

252

iche

1146

Aarb

233

numbers of pedestrians (weekday, March -16) numbers of pedestrians (weekend, Sept -16)

Postgasse almost no difference between weekday and weekend – even more during the week. Reflecting the local character

1198 7

Spe

111 1111 111

pedestrian flows (average/hour) counts of pedestrians walking in both directions, weekday, March, 8.00, 12.00, 17.00 & 18.00

dl er st ra ss e

376 10725

weekday weekday

Münsterplatz

Bundesplat

638 366 Münsterplattform

Nydeggbrücke demonstration on the weekend explains high numbers, but also many tourists

se esgas

Bund

cke

brü

feld

hen

Kirc

A naly sis 36

anze

e Sch

Klein

Marktgasse more than 2x more pedestrians on the weekend than during the week

Kornhausplatz forms a barrier - 4x less people on same street axis on Untere Altstadt.

Aare 0m

50 m

100 m

200 m

alleyways:only 24 people/ hour on Schlüsselgässchen, only 18 on Finstergässchen between 09:00 and 10:00 Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Everything within walking distance, but not barrier free Bern's Altstadt is of a compact and small size, with short walking distances between points of interest.

The wide diversity in shops and fine grained buildings make it a pleasent experience to walk along the streets, but due to its historic heritage and topography not always easy for all user groups. Due to the historic pavement, obstacles and the steep topography, people with disabilities and the visually impaired have 8 500 000 difficulties in getting around.

500000 000 58200

4092

New York, Broadway

4092 4694

NewSwanston York, Broadway Melbourne, Street

912 000

London,Drottninggatan Regent Street Stockholm,

912 600 000 000

Stockholm, Drottninggatan Copenhagen, Strøget

7665

Copenhagen, Strøget Bern, Marktgasse

7665 hourly average

6212

of pedestrians

8000

7000

8000

hourly average of pedestrians

sse

Schüttest

rasse

6000

149

Nägeliga

5000

Waisenhausplatz

Kornhaus

brücke

7000

6000

5000

Neueng

asse

81

282

Zeughaus

gasse

3022

371

3056 Marktgasse

asse

se Postgas

618

594

asse eitsg hitgk

Nydeggbrücke

Gerec

691 Kramgasse

534

Amthausgasse

Münstergasse

Amthausgasse Bundesplatz

Rathausplatz

Rathausgasse

Spitalg

796

380%

shalde Postgas

892

platz

sse

4000

rgerga

4000

Aarbe

1700

2000

1072

1000

0

5x

3000

rs tr as se

3000

dle

2000

Ho

1000

11of pedestrian numbers (Saturday 12:00-15:00) Comparison 7 Bern, Marktgasse 6212

Schauplatzgasse

Münsterplatz

Casino -platz

366

Kornhausplatz creating a barrier? 380%, almost 4x more pedestrians in upper than in lower old town.

Spitalgasse to Gerechtigkeitsgasse (weekday average 08:00-21:00) 298 Münsterplattform

gasse

Bundes

Kleine

e

Schanz

e rück

felsb

en Kirch

Almost 4 x more pedestrians can be found in the upper than lower old town, with Kornhausplatz as a strong divider. The axis of Spital-Markt-Kramgasse alone reflects that there are 5 x more people walking in the West than in the East (weekday average), supporting the perception of people: "The Altstadt ends at Zytglogge."

2248

0

Generally, flows during the week peak at 12:00 600 000 and 17:00, while in the weekend most pedestrians 140 000 were registered at 16:00. The highest count was Marktgasse on Saturday with more than 8,166140 000 (note: very busy weekend with many events.) The comparison with other cities underlines the high pedestrian activity in Bern: on a Saturday afternoon (12:00-15:00) Bern is 3 x as busy as Stockholm's main street and busier than London's Regent Street.

Stadtbach not marked for visually impaired, stairs as challenges.

5573

2248

55%

1691

3 300 000

Kornhaus

high number of pedestrians, A but very concentrated flows

400m = 5 min – everything in the Altstadt within walking distance 4694 5573 55%

Melbourne, Swanston Street London, Regent Street

asse

3 300 000

Predigerg

5 200 000

5 minutes

38x

38x

The further away north or south from the busy axis of Spital- Markt- Kramgasse, the lower number of pedestrians were registered. This is also in direct relation with the quality of the streets. From walkable Marktgasse with up to 3,056 pedestrians on a weekday average, the number declines to only 81 people in average on Postgasshalde, which is car dominated with narrow sidewalks.

more pedestrians inside of Altstadt than outside

more pedestrians in Marktgasse than Schüttestrasse

3056

81

weekday average

weekday average

Marktgasse.

Schüttestrasse / Postgasshalde

A fine grained network of arcades and alleyways

The alleyways add another fine-grained layer to the network as narrow shortcuts between streets, but are often lacking activation and lighting at night and do not carry high numbers of pedestrians.

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Cars as barriers between street and arcade.

24

only pedestrians/ h in Schlüssel - gässchen Frequented arcade and alleyway, Schlüsselgässchen.

A naly sis

Many of the streets are lined with arcades, but not all of them are used to the same extent. The arcades support walking and staying by offering all season weather protection. They allow shops to display goods outside all year round, but combined with pedestrain flows this can cause challenges for passing through. Parked cars can make it difficult to change between street and arcade.

37 Arcades well-used and protecting from rain, but difficult to pass.

Analysis Getting around

92%

Postgasshalde 3%

1%

1%

6% 2% 1%

Tram Bus

Bern's streets as a whole accommodate a range of accessible mobility options: generally cycle friendly streets, two-way tram and bus lines, the Thursday 10:00 arcaded walking promenade, with easy spontaneous Bundesgasse pedestrian crossing along the length of the street using the space between the two sets of tram tracks as a safe median. Vehicles for deliveries and servicing are also fitted in.

Car Motorbike Bicycle

% 2%

Trams Bus Cars Mopeds/MC’s

3%

Bicycle Pedestrians

45%

Mopeds/MC’s

day 16:00

Bicycle

Bollwerk (Aarbergerg)

1% Bus

3%

Münstergasse 21%

4%

Tram

Cars

Bus

Mopeds/MC’s

6% 2% 1%

57%

Bollwerk

Pedestrians

4%

Thursday 09:00 91%

Cars

Marktgasse

Pedestrian

3%

2%

Tram

35%

Bus

4%

Thursday 13:00

erge

rgas se

Nägel

usp

latz

igasse

Wais e

nha

Tram

Neuen

gasse

39% 4%

22% car

14%

Schüt

e

public transport

28%

37%

1%

11%

15% car

Pedestrians

bicycle

parking garage

entrance to train station

pure pedestrian

bus railway

motorbike

only residents/ deliveries

bicycle

shared

bike lane

pedestrian

car priority

tram

20%

bicycle

Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

Car

Car

3%

1%

Pedestrian

P

260

e

alde asshPostgasshalde Postg

Bicycle

2030

Pedestrian

1%

Münstergasse

4%

se Postgas

Rathausplatz

6% 2% 1%

Tram

Tram

Bus

e gass eits itgk

Bus

Nydeggbrücke

Car

ch

Car

Motorbike

Motorbike

1%

2030

4%

6% 2% 1%

Tram Pedestrian

20% bicycle

Motorbike

Mopeds/MC’s

Mopeds/MC’s

Bicycle

Bicycle

Bicycle

Bicycle

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

91%

Pedestrian

Pedestrian

Postgasshalde Nydeggasse 1% Brücke3%

38

Bundesgasse

45%

Bicycle

23%

Tram

Bus

Bus

Cars

Car

Mopeds/MC’s

Motorbike

Pedestrians

92%

Pedestrian

Car

33%

Tram

Trams

Bus

Münster Cars gasse Mopeds/MC’s 91%

2% Postgasshalde 2%4% 1%

Car Motorbike

Postgass96% halde 92%

2%

92%

Marktgasse

Bus

Münstergasse

Bus Bus

Car

6% 2% 1% Motorbike

Cars Cars

0m

Mopeds/MC’s Mopeds/MC’s

50 m

100 m Bus

Trams

42%

200 m

diagram: hot spot intersections

P

parking garage pure pedestrian only residents/ deliveries

4%

Friday 16:00 Thursday 09:00

Bicycle Bicycle

70%

Bicycle

Car

Pedestrian

28%

Bus

Bundesgasse

Trams Trams

bus

Bus

motorbike

entrance train station

bicycle pedestrian

Cars

bus

tram

Motorbike

Mopeds/M

bike lane

Bicycle

Bicycle

91%

public transport

Trams

tram

railway

Thursday 09:00

Pedestrian

modal splits:

car

shared car priority

Pedestrian

pedestrian

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study 4%

Bicycle Nydeggasse Brücke

Pedestria

96% public transport

Thursday 09:00 Public Transport (Bus + Tram) (Aarbergerg) 39% Bollwerk Car

2%

2% 2%

Tram

Bicycle

MotorbikePedestrians Pedestrians

Thursday 10:00 Bollwerk (Aarbergerg.)

Nydeggasse Brücke

Bus

Bus Car

Bicycle

Thursday 09:00 Thursday 13:00

Tram

35%

4%

4%

Tram

Trams Tram

21% 19% Tram

Bicycle

public transport stop

Pedestrian

Bicycle

3%

1%

14%

57%

Pedestrians

3%

Bus

Trams

Mopeds/MC’s

Thursday 10:00

7%

Aare7%

Cars

Pedestrians

23%

Kornhausplatz

Bollwerk (Aarbergerg) Marktgasse

Bus

Nydeggbrücke

45%

Friday 17:00

Bus

4%

Bundesgasse

Tram

6%

92%

6% 2% 1%

Bicycle

Thursday Thursday 10:00 10:00

Kornhausplatz 7%

Trams

Bicycle

2%

Friday 17:00 7%

4%

Cars Mopeds/MC’s

Friday 16:00

Bus Cars

Bollwerk (Aarbergerg.)

Münstergasse

42%

Bus

Pedestrians

6%

1%

2%

Tram

35%

ke

Thursday 09:00

96%

Trams

42%

Motorbike

Bundesgasse 3%

35%

33%

Münsterplattform

2%

Tram

Cars

feldbrüc

2030

3%

Car

P

Bicycle

96

Nydeggasse Brücke

Bundesgasse

Trams Bus

Car

Thursday 10:00

Pedestrian

Thursday 09:00

Bus

Pedestrian Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

92%

Münsterplatz

2% 2%

Tram

Bus

33%

92%

Münstergasse

Marktgasse

Casino -platz

Münstergasse

BundesBicycle platz

Bicycle

91%

Pedestrian

Thursday 10:00

Kirchen

A naly sis

Bicycle

P

Pedestrian

Bicycle

2010

Amthausgasse

Car

Car

anze e Sch KleinPedestrian

260

92%

Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

3%

15% car Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

diagram:

Bicycle

4%

sse

Car

bicycle

Pedestrians

public transport stop

92%

Postgasshalde

Schauplatzgasse

Pedestrian

11%

Bicycle

hot spot intersections

Kramgasse

pedestrian

Bu

2010

2030

Mopeds/MC’s

e

asse ndesg

P

Bicycle Cars

Marktgass

Bicycle

2010

Mopeds/MC’s

Bicycle

lgass

Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

Cars

Thursday 09:00

Gere

Car

car

21%

Pedestrian

39%

22%

37%

Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

Bus

Rathausgasse

Spita

Bus

Car

usgass

pedestrian

28%

Tram

Pedestrian

testra

Zeugha

Thursday 09:00 public transport

pedestrian

28%

Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

Bicycle

70%

4%

Thursday 13:00

Thursday 09:00

P

Motorbike

t (Bus + Tram)

Bicycle

Tram

Pedestrians

public transport

pedestrian

2010 57%

Pedestrians

Thursday 10:00

19%

Pedestrians

bus public transport

Bicycle

ss e

Bicycle

Car

Mopeds/MC’s

Car

Mopeds/MC’s

Bus

Bicycle

57%

(individual pedestrians and vehicles in % at given hour)

Trams

Pedestrians

Aarb

Cars

car

28%

Trams

Bicycle

Kornhausplatz

Mopeds/MC’s

21%

traffic modes

Bollwerk (Aarbergerg)

Pedestrians

Friday 17:00

Bus

14%

Pedestrian

public transport

Mopeds/MC’s

2%

Cars

Bicycle

70%

Bicycle

23%

Trams

Thursday 09:00

Cars

Mopeds/MC’s

Trams

Bus

Motorbike

Pedestrians

er st ra

Cars

45%

4%

Trams

Tram

Kornhausplatz

Bicycle

dl Bus

Cars

7%

19%

Trams

Ho

Pedestrians

96%

Car

Bollwerk (Aarbergerg.)

42%

Bus

Bicycle

Bus

Friday 16:00

260

Mopeds/MC’s

Bicycle

Thursday 10:00

7%

7%

Mopeds/MC’s

96%

Nydeggasse Brücke

Bundesgasse

7%

Car

Thursday 09:00

Thursday 10:00

6%

Bus

Bicycle

Pedestrian

92%

Trams

Bus

Motorbike

Bicycle

sday 13:00

33%

Mopeds/MC’s

Cars

Motorbike

Kornhausplatz

2% 2%

Tram

Bicycle

Motorbike

Pedestrians

Bus Cars

Car

Bicycle

Marktgasse

Bus

Car

4%

2%

Friday 17:00

Tram

rück e

Trams

14%

23%

ausb

4%

Predig ergass e

1%

6%

92%

Trams Postgasshalde

Pedestrians

Korn h

werk (Aarbergerg.)

Trams

Bus

Pedestrian

42%

Bus Cars

t (Bus + Tram)

91%

2%

Tram

35%

33%

2% 2%

Tram

In general the network is very well-working, but at some hotspots the meeting between different transport modes becomes chaotic or even unsafe. With the Thursday 09:00 Friday 16:00 prognosis of even more people moving to the region (Aarbergerg) Bollwerk (Aarbergerg.)

Nydeggasse Brücke and Bern, there is a sense of urgency to solveBollwerk these traffic-knots. However, they are quite complex and not solved over night, but should be adressed to make Bern a safe city for all and to live up to its high standards.

Pedestrian

92%

rktgasse

Marktgasse

Münstergasse

4%

Friday 28%

16:00

pedestrian

37%

Pub Car

14%

Tram

Bollwerk (Aarbergerg.)

Bus

Bicy

Bus

Bus

Bus

Bus

Bus

Bus

Car

Car

Car

Car

Car

Car

Motorbike

Motorbike

Motorbike

Motorbike

Motorbike

Motorbike

Bicycle

Bicycle

Bicycle

Bicycle

Bicycle

Bicycle

Pedestrian

Pedestrian

Pedestrian

Pedestrian

Pedestrian

Pedestrian

A city strong in green mobility Postgasshalde Postgasshalde

whole city of Bern 2010 - 2030 public transport

Already today, Bern is a city strong28% in green mobility,39% 28% Tram

Tram

with even higher ambitions to further increase its share of bicycles and publicCartransport in the future. Car Most of the Altstadt's streets reflect this behaviour, Motorbike Motorbike 2010 but there are some areas that are dominated by both Bicycle Bicycle moving and parked cars.

Bus

Bus

pedestrian

39%

public transport

28%

37% 28%

37%

Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

Car

Car

Car

Bicycle

Bicycle

Bicycle

Bicycle

2010

Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

pedestrian

Car

Public Transport (Bus + Tram)

Pedestrian

Pedestrian

2030

2030

Pedestrian

Pedestrian

Pedestrian

Pedestrian

22%

11% 22%

car traffic

11% bikes

15%

car traffic

20% 15%

20%

bikes

Ambitious goals of the city to develop green mobility even further in the future. Increase bicycling from 11 to 20% and further decrease car traffic.

But the ambitions are not always reflected in the street design.

The Altstadt is well-connected by public transport (Source: Bernmobil)

Public transport through very frequented roads.

reat public transport network G also in the main shopping street The Altstadt is well-connected to rest of the city by public transport, especially from the train station and Kornhausplatz, where a lot of people are waiting and interchanging. Due to a lack of benches the waiting experience is not always pleasant.

With the extension of the train station in the upcoming years, the numbers of passengers are expected to increase drastically. Even more frequent trams as well as busses through the main shopping street constitutes a point of conflict.

A lot of cyclists and many more to come Most of the Altstadt's streets work as shared space – there are only few dedicated bike lanes going through the city. This works well in general, but in some areas this leads to conflicts with pedestrians and other transport modes, which will increase with a growing share of bicycles in the future (from 11% to 20%). Bicycle parking is spread all across the city, making it easy to leave your bike, but lacking a clear design concept and strategy. The bike share program Bern Rollt currently has two stations but is planning to expand in the coming years.

sufficient infrastructure for

20%

of all trips on bike in 2030?

Lots of bicycles today.

Even more tomorrow - quality of paths and parking?

Highly walkable environment.

Around Casinoplatz and Bollwerk – streets becoming barriers.

ontrast in traffic behaviour C in- & outside old town creating barriers / hotspots

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

A naly sis

The Altstadt is very pedestrian and bike friendly on the inside, but this quality declines the further away one moves towards its borders. The challenge is often where the traffic modes meet, creating hotspots which are unclear for all means of transport, but especially dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

39

Celebrate the unique setting

Recommendations Towards a balanced transport system In regards to the expected growth of the city and the further promotion of sustainable means of transport, and in order to create a greater balance Make room for everybody between modes of transport, the following five points should be taken into Make room for everybody consideration.

1

Create a better distribution of pedestrian flows on the streets

2

3

Improve the walkability

! !

A smarter parking strategy

P max 1 h

P max 1 h

• More even distribution of pedestrians (less

Re commendations 40

concentration on a few streets): - unlock the potential of the parallel and side streets (better paving, less parking, better lighting, distinction in functions such as pop up shops or co-working spaces, art in public, temporary galleries, street greening, etc.).

• Emphasize the fine-grained network of arcades and alleyways to encourage people to take shortcuts and move between the streets: - short term: temporary activation; - long term: improve lighting, paving and activate diverse functions in the alleyways.

• Re-think public transport routes in relation to people flows.

• Improve signage and wayfinding.

• Reduce parked cars in side streets.

• Offer alternative to stairs: more elevators and ramps.

• Reduce the amount of small barriers and ensure less cluttering & obstacles in the arcades.

• Wayfinding and material for the visually impaired.

• Develop a strategy for better paving.

• Add resting facilities at regular intervals.

• Prioritize the space – remove parking lots where

there are too many, unnecessary or where it is blocking a potential place for staying or passing through.

• Focus on underground parking and ensure it is used to a wide extent through a smart fare system. Consider new garages at the borders of the Altstadt close to public transport.

• Test alternative uses of parking lots with parklets – temporary solutions which add staying quality.

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

!

4

!

Upgrade facilities and infrastructure for bicycles

• Encourage cyclists to move on streets which are

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Reduce conflicts between different transport modes

• Clearer priority at some hotspots – dedicated

lanes and zones where needed and good solutions for shared space.

• Diminish separating effect of certain streets and squares (such as Kornhausplatz or Bollwerk) for pedestrians and bicycles and make them less of a barrier.

• Re-think the future of the public transport system through the Altstadt. Remain as it is? Add new tramlines? Around the Altstadt? Trams with no overhead cables? Metro in far future?

Re commendations

less frequented by pedestrians or need to be activated: - emphasize selected routes by leveling cobblestones and making those streets more convenient to bike; - dedicated lanes for faster bikes and e-bikes on some streets.

• Improve bike parking facilities: - designated areas with high design quality; - make air pumps available widely; - possibility for spontaneous stops at shops and destinations.

• continue to extend the bike share system with strategic locations and easy use.

5

41

Best practice Ljubljana's ecologic zone Implementation of the ecological zone in 2007: the old city centre was closed to all motorised traffic, deliveries can still be made between 6:00 and 10:00. High public space accessibility and services for people with disabilities, for example "Kavalir" electric-powered vehicles provide demand-responsive transport for elderly visitors and anyone having difficulty walking in pedestrian areas inside the zone.

Today the pedestrian area in the centre - the ecological zone - covers more than 100 000 m2.

Every year the pedestrian area is enlarged, so from 2007 to 2016, it grew by impressive 620 %.

"Closing the city centre to motorised vehicles, modernization of public transport (...) have resulted in a complete transformation of the city’s image in such a short time, as well as making the city friendlier and more accessible for its citizens and visitors."

(Ljubljana European Green Capital 2016 Report, www.ljubljana. si/file/1782477/env-15-003_ljubljana_en-web.pdf)

Case Marktgasse A street of higher staying quality

current situation

possible solutions

• The axis Spital-, Markt-, Kram-, Gerechtigkeits-

1. leave the traffic situation as it is, install more public seating options and ensure higher staying quality, while attracting more people to the side streets 2. additional tram axis, which creates less frequency on Marktgasse 3. move tram to other streets to make Marktgasse free from public transport

gasse is by far the busiest one with peaks up to 8,166 people on a weekend on Marktgasse and up to 5,058 during the week • With a growing city and the extension of the train station, more people can be expected in the future • At the same time, 72 trams and 32 buses operate hourly on Marktgasse, according to a study on the second tramaxis by INGE 4+* • The high numbers of pedestrians and the large amount of trams and buses create challenges, even more so on Kramgasse where buses operate and large amount of tourists walk • The stakeholder workshop clearly showed that people perceive the situation in Marktgasse as a challenge and wish for higher staying quality

Marktgasse pedestrian counts

9000

8166

8000

72 trams, 32 buses / hour*

7000 6000

5058

5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 08:00

09:00

10:00

11:00 12:00

13:00 14:00

weekday Ciril Metodo's Square, City of Ljubljana, Barbara Jakše Jeršic

16:00 17:00 17:00 18:00

19:00 20:00

weekend

21:00 21:00

* INGE 4+: ZMB Zweite Tramachse Bern Synthesebericht, Bern 2012. p.8 (http://www.ub.unibas.ch/digi/a125/ sachdok/2014/BAU_1_6220079.pdf)

hourly average of pedestrian numbers, comparison of weekday and weekend

2% 2%

Re commendations 42

15:00

Trams Bus Cars Mopeds/MC’s Bicycle

96%

New Square, City of Ljubljana K.I.Novak

Pedestrians

Marktgasse frequented by bicycles and pedestrians alike

People staying in the sun enjoying their lunch break

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

today

" Ich geniesse gerade den Feierabend in der Marktgasse.

Kommst du auch?"

Stakeholder Workshop

a possible solution in the future?

More bikes and pedestrians expected. How will Marktgasse work in the future?

Re commendations 43

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

B

Case A better balance A

Activate the side streets to better distribute pedestrians

3022

This diagram shows a section through the Altstadt. It illustrates the large differences in the average hourly counts of pedestrian flows on different parallel streets on a weekday.

current situation

hourly average of pedestrians on a weekday

1700

*count from survey in March

Parallel and side streets may just be few metres apart, but show a completely different pattern in number of people walking. Spital and Marktgasse are clearly the most dominant ones, up to Kornhausplatz.

1072 796 233*

298 11

117

7

A

149

704

1072

233

1700

B

81

1624 293

892

796

282

1691

371 3056

1146

3022

618

594

691 534 366

298

unequal distribution of pedestrian flows as illustrated on the weekday average counts

Bundesgasse

Schauplatzg.

Spitalgasse

Neuengasse

Aarbergerg.

Speichergasse

Hodlerstrasse

the side streets 1 improve to relieve the busiest axis

the fine grained 2 activate alleyway-network

balance of 3 better modes of transport

• underline their more specialised offer of shops

• the alleyways are an important part of the network

• cars

and services • introduce new active uses in the ground floor zones: both commercial (galeries and exhibition spaces, pop-up shops, new cafés) and noncommercial (co-working spaces, offices, etc.)

• underline each street's character by adapting the design of the street to the actual use: paving, seating, lighting, greenery • temporary projects for activation

in the Altstadt today, they serve as shortcuts between busy streets, but they are not always inviting or easy to find • short-term activation of the many small alleyways through art project • long-term: better paving, which might even spill out into the arcades, better lighting and activation of existing ground floor zones, which are mostly empty today

Re commendations

- evaluate if they are really necessary on all streets? Delivery should still be possible bikes - emphasize bike links on some streets and restrict / limit them on others - make it convenient to bike and easy to park • public transport - think about second tram-axis to relieve busy Spital- & Marktgasse and redirect bus from Kramgasse over Postgasshalde if ongoing conflicts on Kram- & Gerechtigkeitsgasse • test changes in traffic temporarily, for example over summer, if successful refine and install

2 axis

Sp

eic

he

rg.

relieve pressure

tram today

1 3A asse

redirect?

bus today

Schauplatzgasse

3B

Bundesg

44

better distribution of pedestrian flows into the side streets

11

suggestion for alternative or additional routes for public transport

704

233

149 81

892

24

1072

3. tramaxis

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

7

1700

arcade and alleyway network in the Altstadt

2

bus redirected during events in summer

Case Improve the side streets Where to start?

Aarbergergasse to Postgasse

Hodlerstrasse

Bundesgasse

Because Aarbergergasse is already a pedestrian zone today - but could be better. Zeughausgasse carries little traffic and is an important pedestrian connection to Kornhausplatz and the more local Rathaus- and Postgasse have such great potential with their arcades, small shops and local corners, to be even more attractive.

Because NEUstadt-lab SchĂźtzenmatte will probably be implemented permanently, creating a new creative impulse. Hodlerstrasse is so wide that it could easily accomodate trees, bike lanes and seating and the cultural institutions could open up.

The lawn in front of the police building on Unterer Waisenhausplatz could be open to the public and activated, and in the future the building's function could be part of a strong cultural connection.

Because Bundesgasse is underperforming as the important boulevard that it is. This is where the institutions should be put in scene. This is where there could be more active ground floors and public seating on the capital's boulevard. The boulevard feeling should be emphasized by trees that should be given enough space. This could be the bicycle capital's showpiece of a convenient and safe street.

Best practice The Market Street Prototyping Festival San Francisco The Festival built upon the design process for Better Market Street, a five-year effort to redesign Market Street into a lively and attractive destination with vibrant public life. 200 ideas for prototypes were solicited, of which 50 were installed on Market Street over one weekend in the spring of 2015.

Afterwards Gehl evaluated the Festival according to five themes that address the ways the Festival can impact Market Street and the people who use it.

The evaluation looked at the event both as a onetime festival, and as an idea-generation tool for the redesign of Market Street.

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Re commendations

The Market Street Prototyping Festival demonstrated what a market street for people might look like.

During the festival, the street became a destination by itself, offering a wide range of activities and experiences that encouraged people to stay outside and enjoy the public realm, such as ping pong, a variety of seating possibilities or a climbing cube.

45

Case Aarbergergasse to Postgasse Activate the side streets to better distribute pedestrians

current situation • Aarbergergasse already a pedestrian zone and very busy nightlife

• Zeughausgasse very wide, sunny and not much traffic – potential to be pedestrianized

• Kornhausplatz as a barrier? Almost 3x less

pedestrians on eastern side of the square than on western • Rathausgasse – some nightlife, hotels, restaurants and a lot of parking – all in all 78% of the arcaded facade obstructed • Rathausplatz – not really a square • Postgasse – very local feel and hidden corners for locals to meet, but also a lot of parking

A

today

84% café seating

(weekday staying activity)

892 Bäre n Wais -/ enha usp

Re commendations 46

Zeugh

ausga

282

371 ss e e

se

Rathausgasse

Post

g a ss

e

Kreuzgass

rgas

splatz

erge

Kornha u

Aarb

l.

Bollwerk

Bahnhof

1072

0m

78% of the street facade is obstructed (of which 84% is parking, 16% café seating)

50 m

100 m

legend activation (public seating, activity or green elements) fountain pedestrian zone bike parking public seating car parking 112 pedestrian counts weekday average

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

1

2

short term

• one identity for the whole axis:

- same colour of public furniture - planters & greenery same on all axis - temporarily stronger, possibly even playful lighting concept to highlight the connection • better crossing situations across the squares, can also be highlighted in colour in short term • highlight the fountains! Add seating around the fountains tell their stories (signs, audio path) • reduce cluttering in the arcades • ensure crossing of alleyways and street is free from parking or other obstacles • reduce number of parking lots, apply parklet principle

long term

• do registrations during short term project and

evaluate on its success – does the axis draw people from busy Marktgasse onto its streets?

• if successful, think about permanent pedestrianized solution • access for delivery still needs to be possible • move parking to underground garages • improve paving across the whole axis • overall uniform public furniture concept • implement activities which proved to be successful during the pilot project as a permanent solution

Summer streets, London

short term

accessible, activated courtyard

public seating & activity zone

create a square situation

Aarbergergasse • more public seating opportunities, not only café seating • better pavement increasing the staying quality

highlighted fountain

Public seating in a parklet in San Francisco, USA

public seating & green instead of only parking

Rathausplatz: a "real" square

highlighted fountain

Brighton New Road

Zeughausgasse • temporary traffic closure over the summer months to test • delivery to shops needs to still be possible • put up planters, seating and umbrellas on the sunny side • invite people to suggest activities in public space which can then be implemented (at the example of Neustadt Lab) see next page for a sneak peak!

Chinatown, New York

0m

50 m

100 m

legend

Union Square, New York

Embarcadero Pilot Plaza

activation (public seating, activity or green elements) fountain pedestrian zone pedestrian priority bike parking public seating car parking zone where alley meets street - needs to be kept free from obstacles

Re commendations

Place de la République

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Rathaus- & Postgasse • reduce parking • selected parklets as local meeting points, activation and public seating • ensure that point where alleys meet street is free from parking or seating

47

Case Aarbergergasse to Postgasse Temporary activation examples in Zeughausgasse " Viel hat es nicht gebraucht. Seit die Zeughausgasse verkehrsfrei ist, treffen wir uns regelmässig dort. Ein paar Stühle und Sonnen-schirme haben alles verändert!"

short-term temporary project

Stakeholder Workshop, January 2017

Short term: temporary activation of Zeughausgasse

Re commendations 48

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

today

long term option

Re commendations 49

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

500

468 402

Case Bundesgasse

Standing 6.3% Standing 6.3% 300 WaitingTransport Transport Waiting 0.0% 0.0% BenchSeating Seating Bench 200 0.0% 0.0% Cafe CafeSeating Seating 84.6% 84.6% 100 Secondary weekday (Thursday) pedestrian counts on Bundesgasse traffic modes (counted individual 4.9% pedestrian SecondarySeating Seating 0 pedestrians and vehicles in %) on 4.9% bicycles 08 09 10 - Thursday, 11 12 Friday, 13 14 15 16 17 18motorbikes 19 20 21 Bundesgasse 468 0.0% carsMovable Saturday.

MovableSeating Seating Aarbergergasse 0.0% Aarbergergasse 402 public transport Lying Down 0.0% Lying Down 0.0% Saturday 13:00 Thursday 10:00 Friday14:00 318 3% 2% 3% Children49% Playing 30% 0.1% 33% 18% Children 35% Playing 0.1% 33% Activity 4.1% 2% Commercial Commercial Activity 4.1% Cultural Activity 84.6% 0.0% Cultural Activity 84.6 0.0% 6% 1% 29% Physical Activity 0.0% 23% 32% Physical Activity 0.0% 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Potential

400

318

500

• important tree-lined boulevard • beautiful old institutional buildings • access to many viewpoints and terraces • traffic almost 1/3 cars, 1/3 pedestrians, 1/3

400

0%

0%

bicycles

0%

0%

7%

7%

93%

93%

300

movable bench secondary cafe seatingbench seating seating cafe seating movable secondary

seating

200

Challenges • paving not elegant enough for such an

seating

seating

seating

100

important boulevard • barely any ground floor activity • insufficient bicycle infrastructure • few opportunities to sit along the street • iconic buildings are not highlighted • large setbacks which cannot be used, with only decorative green • parking on the sidewalk • difficult wayfinding to the many viewpoints and terraces, poor entrance situation at Kleine Schanze • poor condition of street trees due to many different stress factors, such as extreme climate, too small tree pits and rooting space (3.6m3 and 6m3), additionally restricted by concrete layer under cast asphalt, traffic, salt in winter

Tram

Trams

Trams

Bus

Bus

Bus

Cars

Cars

Cars

Mopeds/MC’s

Mopeds/MC’s

Mopeds/MC’s

Bicycle

Bicycle

Bicycle

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

0

lack of public seatingon Bundesgasse Thursday 10:00

3%

Tram

33%

35%

33%

Saturday 13:00

Friday14:00

3%

30%

Trams

12

Bund

B12

B12

500

Pedestrians

1%

e

ass desg

Bun 23%

T3

12

62

Mopeds/MC’s

Kochergasse

Bicycle

Bicycle

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

29%

62

T6

B

B9 T6

B

B3

B3

32%

anze

e Sch

Klein

B9

Kochergasse Cars

Mopeds/MC’s

T3

Bicycle

70%

Trams Bus

Cars 2% T3

Mopeds/MC’s

T3 6%

49%

Bus

Cars

sse esga

2%

18%

Bus

T

100m T

100m

400

B bench T transport café seating

318

2 cafés

70% 19%

19%

7 benches

7 benches

4 benches

11%

4 benches + 800m 11% (10 min walk)

e

anz e Sch Klein 402

2 cafés

+ 800m (10 min walk)

300

1

100

• give the roots as much space as possible with the current street layout

500

400

Re commendations

300

20

21

08

09 10 11 12 and 13 14 15 16 more 17 18 room 19 20 pedestrians bicycles

21

Tram

Trams

Trams

Bus

Bus

Bus

Cars

Cars

Cars

Mopeds/MC’s

Mopeds/MC’s

Mopeds/MC’s

Bicycle

Bicycle

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

Bundesterrasse etc.

Bicycle

6%

100

0

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

Friday14:00

Thursday 10:00 Tram

35%

33%

16

17

18

19

20

Bus

Bus

Cars

Cars

Mopeds/MC’s

Mopeds/MC’s

Mopeds/MC’s

Bicycle

Bicycle

Bicycle

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

23.7 m

principles further to the east along Kochergasse and further to the west • tram along Bundesgasse? New tram models without overhead cables – could be a strong symbol right in front of Bundeshaus • re-think connection to Bundesplatz & to Kleine 23.7 m Schanze (see public space chapter) • consider supporting the trees underneath the soil instead of with trunk guards above the ground

23%

Saturday 13:00 Trams

Cars

Pedestrians

23.7 m

21

Trams

Bus

23.7 m

long term: extending the boulevard

• extend the Boulevard character and design

• consider a new street layout, which gives

200

6%

19

0

3

medium term: a generous boulevard

• no parking on sidewalks • move the tree line and hereby give the trees • activate setbacks in front of historical buildings sufficient space, consider more robust trees • add public 402 seating along the street Friday14:00 at side streets Saturday 13:00 Thursday • pull10:00 sidewalk through 3% • improve the paving • activate ground floor zones to create activity and 35% 318 • better bicycle infrastructure – dedicated lanes and 33% life along the street frequent parking • highlight the access to the great viewpoints on

3%

50

2

200

short term: small improvements

current situation

pedestrian bicycles cars rooting space

23.7 m

23.7 m

same layout, small changes

minimum of 6m³ rooting layer

possible different street layout

23%

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

before

Re commendations 51

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Case Activate the alleyway network Highlight the fine-grained structure

current situation • No other city offers a such fine-grained structure

of arcades and alleyways • Alleyways offer short cuts, and function as retreat places in the often very busy Altstadt • In order to attract more pedestrians to the sidestreets, the short-cuts need to be emphasized better and need to feel safe at all times of the day

1

short term

• The alleyways could be emphasized temporarily

through an art project: artists or citizens could be invited to hand in their suggestions • Something different could be discovered in each and every alley: installations, art works, light effects, and so forth • temporarily over summer and/or with light in the winter time, once only or repeated every year • this would encourage people to use the alleyways more and create new impulses across the city

2

long term

• continuous, unified paving for all alleyways, which is easy to walk on for everyone, yet underlines the small-grained character of the alleyways • better lighting – not too glaring in order to avoid inhabitants to be disturbed by lighting, but creating a nice, safe atmosphere at all times • activate and open ground floors to the alleyways where possible

Best Practice Laneways Temporary Art Program Sydney Re commendations 52

The Laneways Temporary Art Program ran from 2008 to 2013. It was initiated to activate the laneways of the city centre, inject new energy into the urban life and stimulate creativity and innovation.

The goal was to take art down to street level where it can be enjoyed by all. Artists from Australia and around the globe were selected to be exhibited in an unique street level setting.

Together with local business communities, Laneway Projects pursued the goal to change the way people think about their urban environment and create new and exciting cultural meeting points.

The Meeting Place 2009 Laneways program photo Jamie Williams for City of Sydney

The Meeting Place 2009 Laneways program photo Jamie Williams for City of Sydney

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

before

after

before

after

short term temporary art project in the alleyways

Re commendations 53

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

ou ld b

Bordeaux, France

takt il

erta

" - Ich habe Feierabend.

Hast du Zeit und Lust auf ein Treffen?

Beim neugestalteten Casinoplatz.

- Dort immer! "

re ...

stba r

er n c W hat B

e f ut u e in th

" Ich bin sehbehindert und kann dir den Weg zeigen, wo du mit dem Rollstuhl problemlos durch die Stadt kommst – hindernisfrei ist umgesetzt! "

" Endlich macht Bern was für alle! Keine Trottoirsteine wegen Gehbehinderten, flache Pflastersteine wegen Rollstuhlfahrern, keine Reklameständer wegen Sehbehinderten, keine Fahrleitungen, damit die Sicht auf die Gebäude frei ist. Tolle Einkaufsstrassen für alle! "

Copenhagen, Denmark

Temporary Activation of a square in Sao Paolo, Brazil

Re commendations

Copenhagen, Denmark

" Verschiedene Pflästerungen zeigen den Leuten, wo sie sich bewegen können, die verkehrsorientierten Markierungen entfallen im Stadtbereich. Das sieht gleich so viel besser aus. "

54 A paving example from Denmark which marks space just with paving Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

San Francisco, USA

" Wow, Bern ist jetzt ganz autofrei! "

Die Altstadt von Bern ist heute wirklich verkehrsfrei*.

Nicht wie damals, 2016... (der ÖV kann meines Erachtens nach bleiben) San Francisco, USA

" So viel schöner und nützlicher als ein Parkplatz!"

Copenhagen, Denmark

" Kommst du mit mir in die Stadt? Heute gibt es keine Autos und wir dürfen malen. Leider ist es nur einmal im Jahr... "

Re commendations

" WOW – Hier in der Stadt Bern nehmen alle viel Rücksicht aufeinander, da kann ich ganz entspannt New York, US flanieren. "

" Viel hat es nicht gebraucht.

Seit die Zeughaus-gasse verkehrsfrei ist, treffen wir uns regelmässig dort. Ein paar Stühle und Sonnenschirme haben alles verändert!"

55 Copenhagen, Denmark

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

0.0%

17

100

Physical Activity

AVERAGE

10 AM 11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Analysis Using public space 10 AM

0.5% 0.9%

Children Playing 3.5%

Secondary Seating

Commercial Activity 0.0%

Movable Seating

0.0%

Cultural Activity

0.0%

Lying Down

0.0%

67

Physical Activity

2.5%

Children Playing

3.0% 1.0%

Commercial Activity

AVERAGE

12

11.9%

16

Cultural Activity Physical Activity

Bern Stationary Summer 2016

Summer 2016

Weekday 08 September

ber

BernKornhausplatz should be a city for all, with a goal to attract Clear throughout the day.

Bern Stationary Summer even more residents in2016 order to prevent the city center Bern Stationary Summer Min 13°C2016 Saturday 10 Septembera museum. At the moment prognosis' from becoming Saturday 10 September Max 26°C Clear throughout the day. ionary Summer 2016 a drop in inhabitants.

Bundesplatz Clear throughout the day.

Standing map 431 Summer 14.2%Wind 0m/s Bern Stationary 2016 foresee To make dense urban Standing 6.3% Nydeggbrucke Min 13°C Clear throughout the day.

384 Bern Stationary 319 Summer 2016 public street Minnetwork 11°C September 357 Waiting Transport Weekday 08 September 8.5% Max 26°C Waiting Transport areas like Bern Altstadt attractive and livable, the Min 0.0% park 301 Max 26°C 13°C 532 Saturday 10 September nze Wind 0m/s open green spaces Bench Seating Max 26°C Münsterplatz 1.7% 199 role.

Bench Seating public spaces play a significant Wind 0m/s 0.0% Standing 41.8% Münsterplattform 113

87

314

85

13

0

14

15

0

16

AM 19 9 17 818

10 20

11 21

84.6% 4.9% 0.0%

Aabergergasse

61

20

188 0

133

110

75

12

13

78 13

170

14

15

143

28

16

17

0.0% 0.1% 154 24 4.1% 0.0% 0.0%

78

AVERAGE 21

18

19

20

104

15

16

17* Ho

17

8 AM

dl er st ra

10 10 AM

ss e

14

12

16

16

87

ausb erge

Nägel

Schütt estras se

Bern Stationary Summer 2016 onary Summer 2016 Bern Stationary Summer Clear 2016throughout the day.

Weekday 08 September Wais hau enspla tz

Weekday 08 September Münsterplattform

Bundesplatz

Zeugha

usgass

Kornha usplatz

e

0

Marktgasse

440 Spitalgasse 358 265 164 13

Schauplatzgasse Amthausgasse

68 0

36 0

52

0

45 0B

asse undesg

10 16 17

12 18 19

136 20

136 14 20

16

20 10

Waiting Transport Münstergasse

110 38.8% 27.3% 0.0%

133 Cafe Seating

Casino -platz

2.6% 0.4%

0.8% Bundesplatz 0.3% 0.0%

14

Standing 12

0.0% 25.2%

AVERAGE

18

8 AM Kleine Schanze

4.6%

16

Rath platz

53.6%

13

Bench Seating

Movable Seating Lying Down

8 AM

20

Children Playing

AVERAGE

Physical Activity

20

5.7% 0.0% 0.0%

26.1% 0.0%

18

14

16

1

Waiting Transport

Cafe Seating Münsterplattform

96

0.0% 0.0%

Standing

Bench Seating

0.4% 1013.2% 12 1.1%

Commercial Activity Cultural Activity

Kramgasse

Münsterplatz

Secondary Seating

brücke

Kleine Schanze

8 AM 14 15

84

Clear throughout the day.

Min 11°C Max 26°C sse Nydeggbrücke sga Wind 0m/s keit hitg erec alde

assh Postg

G

enfeld

13

10

16

56 12

Bundesplatz

56 137

Untertorbrücke: standing, surfers

Clear throughout the day.

Min 11°C Max 26°C Wind 0m/sPostgasse aus-

Min 11°C Max 26°C Wind 0m/s Rathausgasse

Kirch

1

gasse

573

Re commendations

0

Neuen

Bäre nspla tz

September ze

igasse

rgas se

156

Weekday 08 September Nydeggbrucke

Korn h Aarb

22

Bern Stationary Summer 2016

rück e

14

13*

Predig ergass e

13

12

Wind 0m/s

118

118

22

AVERAGE 10 AM

square

Cafe Seating 64.7% square with green elements Waiting Transport 3.7% (public and semi-public) Secondary Seating 9.5% Secondary Seating Standing 4.4% Kornhausplatz Bench Seating place for events Standing 2.4% 49.1% Movable Seating Standing 0.0% Movable Seating 16.1% Waiting Transport surveyed area 0.0% Cafe Seating Waiting Transport 24.6% 99 0.0% 79 Lying Down Waiting Transport 0.0% Lying Down Bench Seating 0.0% 20 27.0% Secondary Seating Bench registrations Seating 0.6% 19.6% stationary Children Playing Bench Seating 0.1% Children Playing 29.1% Cafe Seating 42.9% standing Movable Seating Cafe Seating 0.1% 0.0% Commercial Activity waiting transport Cafe Seating 0.8% Commercial26 Activity Seating AVERAGE 35.8% Secondary 18.8% Lying Down Secondary 0.0% bench seating Seating 17.9% Cultural Activity 0.5% Cultural Activity 3.4% Movable Seating cafe seatingSecondary Seating 0.0% Children Playing Movable Seating 0.0% 11.6% secondary seating Physical Activity Movable Seating Münsterplatz 0.0% Physical Activity 1.1% Lying Down Rathausplatz: 3.6% Commercial Activity movable Lying seating Down 26.5% 0.0% AVERAGE mainly café lying down Lying Down 0.9% Children Playing 2.3% Cultural seating Activity Children Playing 0.1% 0.0% children playing Children Playing 11.6% Commercial Activity commercial activity 1.0% Physical Activity Commercial Activity 0.0% 1.8% AVERAGE 10 AM 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 cultural activity Commercial Activity 0.9% Cultural Activity AVERAGE 0.0% physical activity Cultural Activity 0.0% Cultural Activity 0.0% Physical Activity 0.0% Activity of counts on a weekday 0.0% averagePhysical Physical Activity from 08:00 - 21:00 1.3% 20 Cafe Seating

Secondary Seating

2 22.9% 0.2%

Standing

26.0% 34.4%

Bench Seating

2.5% 0.2% 0.6% 20

Movable Seating Lying Down Children 14 Playing re 16

Aa

18

96

Commercial Activity

Aare

Cultural Activity AVERAGE0 m Physical Activity

Münsterplattform

50 m

Waiting Transport

Cafe Seating

5

Secondary Seating Nydeggbrücke Movable Seating

Lying Down

9.8% 1.0% 100 m

Children Playing

0.0% 2.3%

Cultural Activity

Commercial Activity 200 m

Physical Activity

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

200

96

0 08:00

10:00

12:00

14:00

16:00

18:00

20:00

AVERAGE

A lot of people in the Altstadt, but average of all locations Bern Stationary Summer 2016 lack of diverse invitations to stay

14.2% 3.0% 13.0% Cultural_Activity 50.0%

Physical_Activity

Physical_Activity

Saturday 10 September

Cultural_Activity

The Altstadt is attracting a lot of people to stay, but the survey showed that theAarbergergasse type of activity is very 122 AVERAGE monofunctional: looking at all the registrations tionary Summer 2016 carried out on a weekday from 08:00-including 0 September 20:00, there is a total share of 50 % café seating and less than 5% active staying types.

Commercial_Activity

122

Lying_Down

AVERAGE

Movable_Seating

Clear

Cafe_Seating Secondary_Seating Bench_Seating

50% café seating!

Waiting_Transport

187

198

37

More busy on the weekend due to a lot of events

16.1% 0.0%

20

136

156

AVERAGE

1600 1400

14.4%

1200 1000

0.4% 0.9%

800 600 400

Movable Seating Lying Down Standing 15.3% Children Playing Waiting Transport 0.0%

1.7%

200 0 08:00

Standing

Waiting_Transport

Waiting Transport

1.4% 10:00 0.2%

Commercial Activity Bench Seating20:00 0.0% 14:00 16:00 18:00 Cultural Activity Cafe Seating 75.3%

12:00

weekend

0.6%

Physical Activity Secondary Seating 5.6% Movable Seating 0.0% 14.2% Lying Down 0.2%

Standing

Bench Seating Cafe Seating

Weekday average staying registration (08:00-20:00)

avg. of count

122

AVERAGE

71 AVERAGE 71

Physical_Activity Cultural_Activity

0.0% 3.5%

Commercial_Activity

0.0% 100 0.0%67

Children_Playing Lying_Down

87

Movable_Seating

3.0% Children Playing 13.0%

Waiting Transport Bench Seating

50.0% Commercial Activity Cafe Seating Secondary Seating 14.4% Cultural Activity 0.4% 25Movable Seating Physical Activity Lying Down 0.9%

156

Cafe_Seating

104

Standing

Secondary_Seating Bench_Seating Waiting_Transport

1.7% 1.4%

Children Playing

0.2% 0.6%

Cultural Activity

Commercial Activity

Physical Activity

decrease

Standing

Weekend average staying registration (10:00-18:00)

increase

café seating

public seating 100% occupied

Weekday 08 September Secondary 8 September is a lack of public seating possibilities. seating on the floor and on Aarbergergasse the stairs of the arcades ttform is very common and part of Bern's character, however not suitable for all groups of people.

Many streets or squares (Aarbergergasse, BärenWaisenhausplatz) offer only private seating options and no or only a few public ones, if available they are often very worn. For example along Bundesgasse there are only four public transport benches and 202 two benches for seating available 133 on a stretch of 800 m.

25

357

Clear throughout the day.

Min 11°C Max 26°C Wind 0m/s

22.9% 301 0.2% 26.0%

Waiting Transport Bench Seating

96

96

AVERAGE

15

16

17

18

Public seating very concentrated on some areas, lacking in others.

Cafe Seating 84.6%

0.0% 0.0% 0.1%

Movable Seating

Commercial Activity

Cultural Activity

4.1% 0.0%

Physical Activity

0.0%

Physical Activity

0.2% 0.6% 9.8%

Movable Seating

1.0% 0.0%

Commercial Activity

20

Lying Down Children Playing

78

21

Bench Seating

Secondary Seating

Secondary Seating

2.3%

Waiting Transport

4.9%

2.5%

19

Standing

Münsterterrasse: people use public space in various ways (weekday avg).

78 AVERAGE

Lying Down Children Playing

Cultural Activity

A naly sis

Some of Bern's public space is used in a very monofunctional way, often not providing a wide range of activities, many times only seating, benches, or as shown at the example of Casinoplatz, nothing at all. But there are also examples of public space with activities provided are used both9during and13 14 8 20 AM 10 winter 11 12* 14 summer16and are inviting a wide range of people, such as Münsterplattform, which illustrates how a variety of functions (ping pong, boccia, playground, ...) attracts people of all ages and backgrounds.

6.3% 0.0% 0.0%

Standing

High demand in public seating, but lack thereof in area shown on photo 87on Bären-/113 Cafe Seating 34.4% Waisenhauspl. on sunny winter weekday.

Large difference in the level of activation of public space:

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Clear throughout the day.

Bench Seatingevening Min 13°C peak lunch peak Max 26°C Cafe Seating 50.0% Wind 0m/s Secondary Seating

13.0%

1800

Weekday average of all staying registrations (08:00-20:00)

Secondary Seating 3.4% Movable Seating 1.1% 1180.9% 5 Lying Down 22 11.6% 96 Children Playing Commercial Activity 0.9% Cultural Activity 0.0% Physical Activity 1.3%

78

17

Standing 14.2% weekday highs and peaks Waitingweekday Transport 3.0% Staying activity

Secondary_Seating

16%2016 occupied, Stationary Summer tionary Summer 2016are staying in Bern Many people the Altstadt, but there

12

Children_Playing

29.1% 35.8%

High demand, but a lack of public seating

110

Cafe Seating

Movable Seating 0.4% Lyingday.

Down throughout the 0.9% Lying_Down Children Playing 1.7% Min 13°C Commercial Activity 1.4% Max Movable_Seating 26°C Cultural Activity 0.2% Cafe_Seating Wind 0m/s Physical Activity 0.6%

Standing

154

84

Bench Seating

145 Weekday average of all staying registrations (08:00-20:00) Bench_Seating

weekday

Most surveyed public space is more active on the weekend than during the week, especially Bundesplatz, Münsterplatz and Nydeggbrücke, where on the surveyed September Saturday large events took place. Kleine Schanze forms an exception and is more popular during the week, as many enjoy lunch break here. Kornhausplatz is less busy on12weekends, 10 AM 14 as it is an important local interchange point during the week and a place where a lot of people meet for after work apero. Aarbergergasse is interestingly almost equally busy during the week and the weekend (note that late 16saturday night has not been surveyed).

Waiting Transport

Secondary Seating 14.4% Commercial_Activity

Children_Playing

ttform

Standing

57 Aarbergergasse: almost only one type of activity (weekday average).

Recommendations

Celebrate the public spaces Celebrate the public spaces The public space network could be seen as a resource to make the city Celebrate the public spaces welcoming for everyone, whether sightseeing, working or living.

The Altstadt's streets and squares need to offer better public seating options and a diverse program for all ages groups, while at the same time being inviting and safe at all times of the day.

1Celebrate the public spaces 2 Create a public space network

Program for new activities and different uses

3

Add more public seating possibilities

cafe

cafe

cafe

cafe

cafe

• Connect the squares that today feel polycentric

Re commendations

and fragmented (Bären- Waisenhaushausplatz - Bundesplatz, Kornhaus-Theater-Casinoplatz) better by reducing traffic barriers and creating a continuous paving.

• Celebrate the unique character of each square and underline it.

• Create a public space network with good qualities for staying also in-between the important squares – in streets and alleyways.

• Develop further design strategy for benches, streetlight, paving etc to create coherency in the network.

• Use activation of the squares to build to their

cafe individual character.

• Do not overactivate.

• Use the existing play-options (on BärenWaisenhausplatz and Münsterplattform) as positive role models and create similar activites cafe on additional locations.

• Use temporary activation (such as on Schützenmatte) for different seasons or for testing how an cafe activity is used for a period.

• Add more seating options along the streets

(Bundesgasse, Bären- Waisenhausplatz, everyday eventhave currently Aarbergergasse and Rathausplatz very little public seating).

• Extend the range of options in order everyday event to invite more diverse usergroups. Make sitting on stairs of arcades, on the integrated historic elements and on the floor more comfortable, as it is part of Bern's mentality and character, • Seating options can be tested before implemented (such as movable chairs on Münsterplatz). everyday

event

everyday

event

58 cafe cafe

everyday

event

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

everyday

event

everyday

event

everyday

event

everyday

event

cafe

cafe

4

Make public spaces work both everyday and during events cafe

cafe

everyday

event

everyday

event

everyday

event

everyday

event

• Ensure a balance between the everyday life and

Improve lighting and sense of safety at night

• Attract people to live in the Altstadt to activate the

streets at night and increase the number of "eyes on the street" in order to improve the subjective feeling of safety.

• Activate ground floor zones to add light and life on the street.

• Strengthen lighting (in accordance with heritage conservation department), but ensure that people living in the Altstadt are not disturbed by too bright lamps shining into their windows.

• Improve lighting in arcades and alleyways, which are often very dark.

• Make sure the squares are well lit at night.

Re commendations

the many events happening (especially in the weekends). Make sure that events do not push the everyday life out.

• Maintain the flexibility of public space, working both everyday and during events – movable seating, flowerpots, etc.

• Increase usage of less frequented places closeby (such as Schützenmatte, Große Schanze and Bahnhofsplatz) to relieve the very event-heavy places in the Altstadt.

5

59

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

4.4%

Standing

the day.

Waiting Transport 0.0%Clear throughout Min 13°C Bench Seating 27.0% Max 26°C

42.9%

Cafe Seating Wind 0m/s

Secondary Seating 18.8% Movable Seating 0.0% Standing 4.4% Lying Down 3.6% Waiting Transport 0.0% Children Playing 2.3% An even livelier park with more Bench Seating diverse 27.0% rn Stationary BernSummer Stationary BernSummer Stationary Summer 2016 Summer 2016 2016Commercial tionary 2016 Activity 1.0% AVERAGE Cafe Seating 42.9% Saturday 10 September Saturday 10 September 10 September 0urday September Cultural Activity 0.0% Secondary Seating ine Schanze Kleine Schanze Kleine Schanze 18.8% anze Physical Activity 0.0% Movable Seating 0.0%

Case Kleine Schanze 104

Current situation

3.6% 2.3%

104

activities Clear throughout Clear throughout Clear the day. throughout the day. the day.

Clear throughout the day.

Min 13°CMin 13°CMin 13°CMin 13°C Max 26°C Max 26°CMax 26°CMax 26°C Wind 0m/s Wind 0m/s Wind 0m/s Wind 0m/s

Lying Down

4.4%

Children Playing

• a lovely314 park with of visitors (peak count 314 a lot314 314 Commercial Activity 1.0% AVERAGE on weekday at 13:00 with 573 people staying) 234 234 188 • great 188 views 188from the upper0.0% Cultural terrace and fromActivity 97 the benches lowerthroughout promenade with the day. Activity Stationary Summer 2016on theClear Physical 0.0% 00 000 0 0 0 trees 0 0 0 0 0 00 aligned Min 11°C day 10 September• 38% café seating during the week, 42.9% on Max 26°C e Schanze the weekend Wind 0m/s • no movable seating • barely any kids playing • no physical activity

Waiting0.0% Transport Waiting Transport Waiting• Transport Waiting0.0% Transport more play elements for children 0.0% • open air workout place?

Bench Seating Bench Seating Bench Seating Bench27.0% Seating 27.0% 27.0% 27.0% • activate also in the winter (for example ice Cafe Seating Cafe Seating Cafe Seating Cafe Seating 42.9% 42.9% 42.9% 42.9%Clear throughout the day. skating, curling)

0.0%

234 188 97

4.6%

Standing

the day.

Waiting Transport 314 ern Stationary Summer 2016 0.0%Clear throughout 234

aturday 10 188 September 11 12 13 10 AM 12 14 15 14 16 13 15 17 14 16 1310 AM 14 11 15 161113 1712 eine Schanze

25.2% 15 17 38.8% 16 17

staying activities 0 weekday 0 27.3%

0

Min 11°C Max 26°C Cafe Seating Wind 0m/s Bench Seating

Secondary Seating

More Activities Standing Standing Standing Standing 4.4% 4.4% 4.4%

• book rental Min18.8% 13°C Secondary Secondary Seating Secondary Seating Seating Secondary Seating 18.8% 18.8% 18.8% Max 26°C Movable Seating Movable Seating Movable Seating Movable0.0% Seating 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Wind 0m/s

Lying Down Lying Down Lying Down Lying Down 3.6% 3.6% 3.6% Children Playing Children Playing Children Playing Children2.3% Playing 2.3% 2.3% 2.3% Standing 4.4% Commercial Commercial Activity Commercial Activity Activity Commercial Activity 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0%

3.6%

Place de la Republique, Paris

104 104 104 104

AVERAGE AVERAGEAVERAGEAVERAGE Waiting Transport Clear throughout the day. Activity Cultural Activity Cultural Cultural Activity Cultural Activity 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Min 13°C Bench Seating 27.0% Physical Activity Physical Activity Physical Activity Physical0.0% Activity 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Max 26°C Cafe Seating 42.9% Wind 0m/s

weekend staying activities 18.8%

Secondary Seating

Movable Seating Movable Seating 0.0% 0.0% Standing 4.6% Standing 4.4% Lying Down Lying Down 3.6% 2.6% Gorky Park, Waiting Transport 0.0% Waiting Transport Moscow, 314 Children Playing 2.3%0.0% Children Playing 0.4% Russia 234 Clear throughout Clear the Clear day. throughout throughout the the day.d Bench Seating Clear throughout Clear throughout Clear the day. throughout the day. the day.

Clear throughout the day.

25.2% Bench Seating Bern Stationary Bern Bern Summer Stationary Stationary 2016 Summer Summer 2016 Activity n Stationary BernSummer Stationary Bern Stationary Summer 2016 Summer 2016 2016Commercial onary 2016 27.0% 2016 Commercial 188Summer Activity 1.0% 0.8% AVERAGE Diverse AVERAGE Min 13°C Min Min 13°C 13 Min 11°C Min 11°C Min 11°C Min 11°C Cafe Seating 10 September 38.8% Saturday Saturday Saturday 10 September 10 September Cafe Seating kday Weekday 08 September Weekday 08 September 08 September September 42.9% Activity Cultural Activity 0.0% Max 26°C MaxMax 26°C26 26°CMax 26°C Maxseating 26°C MaxCultural 26°CMax 0.3% 0 0Schanze Secondary Seating Kleine Kleine Schanze Kleine Schanze Schanze 0 0 0 ne Kleine Schanze Kleine Schanze 27.3% nze Secondary Seating 18.8% Wind 0m/s Wind Wind 0m/s 0m Wind 0m/s Wind 0m/s Wind 0m/s WindPhysical 0m/s Activity Physical Activity 0.0% 0.0% • make fatboys, sunchairs, hammocks available to Movable Seating 0.0% 12 13 14 15 16 17 Movable Seating 0.0% 573 573 573 573 rent for free at the café Lying Down 2.6% Lying Down 3.6% • wifi & outdoor tables to sit outside and work!

Standing Standing 440 440 440 Standing Standing Standing 440 Standing 4.4% : more 4.4% 4.4% Standing 4.6% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6% • especially at the upper platform diverse Children Playing 0.4% Children Playing 2.3% 358 358 358 358 Waiting Transport Waiting Transpor Tran Waiting0.0% Transport Waiting Transport Waiting Transport Waiting Transport 0.0%enjoy the 0.0% 0.0% Waiting 3140.0% 3140.0% 314 0.0% seating opportunities to better view.

Commercial Activity 0.8% Commercial Activity 265 265 265 265 1.0% AVERAGE AVERAGE 234 234 234 Bench27.0% Seating Bench Seating Seatin Bench Seating Bench Seating Bench Seating Bench25.2% Seating 27.0% 27.0% Bench 25.2% 25.2% 188 188 188 25.2% Cultural Activity 164 164 164 164 0.3% Cultural Activity 0.0% Museumsquartier Cafe Seating Seating Seating Cafe Seating Cafe Seating Cafe Seating Cafe Seating 97 97 97 42.9% 42.9% 42.9% CafeCafe 38.8% 38.8% 38.8% 38.8%Clear throughout the day.

71 71 71 Summer Stationary 2016 Physical Activity Vienna, Pop up 0.0% Physical Activity 0.0% 32 32 00 0 0 0 0 0 27.3% 0 0 27.3% 00Secondary 0 27.3% Min27.3% 11°C 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 00 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 00 stand of a radio Secondary Seating Secondary Secondary Seatin S Secondary Secondary Seating Secondary Seating Seating Seating 18.8% 18.8% 18.8% M 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 ay 08 September station with Max 26°C 10:00 12:00 17:000.0% Movable0.0% Seating Movable Seating Sea Movable Seating Movable Seating Movable Seating Movable0.0% Seating sunchairs and 0.0% 0.0% Movable 0.0% 0.0% 10:00 13:00 16:00 19:00 Schanze

104

136

136

136

136

104

Wind 0m/s

Re commendations

573

average of all weekday counts in Kleine Schanze from 08:00-21:00

0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 1360.4% 136 136 136 Standing 136 4.6% 136 136 136 Commercial Commercial Activity Commercial Activity Activity Commercial Activity 0.8% 0.8% 0.8% 0.8% AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGEAVERAGE Children Playing Children Playing Children Playing Children Playing

440 358

rn Stationary Summer 265 2016

ekday 08 September 164 AM19 11 9 8 AM 10 8 AM 10 12 13 12 14 15 14 16 15 17 16 18 17 19 16 18 20 17 1910 18 20 11 12 911 13 14 911 1510 161113 1712 1813 1914 2015 ine 71 Schanze 0

0

573

0 10

11

0

0

0

358 265 164

Waiting Transport Clear throughout the day. Activity Cultural Activity Cultural Cultural Activity Cultural Activity 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.0% Min 11°C Bench Seating 25.2% Physical Activity Physical Activity Physical Activity Physical0.0% Activity 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Max 26°C 1310 AM 14 10 AM 111511 121612 131713 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 Cafe 17 Seating 38.8%

27.3% 0.0% 2.6%4.6%

440

60 71

0

12 20

0.0%

0

12

13

0 14

15

16

17

0

0

18

19

20

104

AVERAGE

Lying Down 3.6% 3.6%

LyingLying Down Down

Children2.3% Playing 2.3% 2.3% Commercial Activity 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% AVERAGE AVERAGE

Children Children Playing Pla

0.0%

Cultural0.0% Activity 0.0%

Cultural Cultural Activity Acti

0.0%

Physical0.0% Activity 0.0%

Physical Physical Activity Act

104 104

Commercial Commercial Acti

Wind 0m/s

Secondary Seating Movable Seating Standing Lying Down

Waiting Transport Children Playing

0.4% 136 Bench Seating Bern Stationary Bern Bern Summer Stationary Stationary 2016 Summer Summer 2016 25.2% 2016 136 Commercial Activity 0.8% AVERAGE

Weekday 08 September Weekday Weekday 08 September 08 September Cafe Seating 38.8% the upper view terrace is widely used, but the staying quality could be Cultural Activity 0.3% diversified Kleine SchanzeKleine Kleine Schanze Schanze 0 Secondary Seating 27.3% Physical Activity 0.0% Movable Seating 573 573 573 0.0%

plenty of people sitting in the lawn and in the café

0

fatboys

3.6%

Lying Lying Down Lying Down LyingSchanze Down 2.6% 2.6% average of all weekday counts in 2.6% Kleine fromDown 10:00-19:00 2.6%

2.6% 440

Lying Down

440 440

0.4% 358Children Playing 358 358

Fatboys and

books for Clear throughout Clear the Clear day. throughout throughout the the day.da rent Min 11°C MinMin 11°C11° Max 26°C MaxMax 26°C26°C Wind 0m/s Wind Wind 0m/s 0m/ Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

4.6%

Standing 4.6% 4.6%

Standing Standing

A prominent entrance situation from Bundesgasse Current situation • Closed off towards the street by non permeable vegetation

• entrance closed off by a chain • side entrances more welcoming than main entrance

• entrance area large and empty • almost no seating • paving can be improved • poor connection between the street and the park • poor connections for the pedestrians over the street - few crossings

1

entrance to Kleine Schanze seen from the inside of the park (Source: google maps)

create a more prominent entrance situation

• emphasize the entrance from the street and inside the park • good seating • define the entrance room more clearly • a statue/point of interest in the entrance area • improve the side entrances with seating, bike parking etc.

2

let the park spill out on the street

• emphasize the entrance from the street and inside the park • good seating • define the entrance room more clearly • a statue/point of interest in the entrance room • improve also the side entrances with seating etc

3

activate the border

• emphasize the entrance from the street and inside the park

• good seating • define the entrance room more clearly • a statue/point of interest in the entrance room • improve also the side entrances with seating etc

Faelledparken, Copenhagen

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

High Line Park, New York

e

Re commendations

re fe r

ew nce N

Road

Brighton New Road

61

Case Casinoplatz More than just a traffic island

1

Current situation • an isolated traffic island, which seems completely

isolated despite being spatially connected to Theater-/ and Kornhausplatz on one side and to Münzterrasse on the other side • not inviting for staying, only 3 benches in the middle of the square, stairs from Münzterrasse • challenging traffic situation with high conflict potential due to unclear situations for pedestrians, cyclists, cars and public transport • the lack of activation of the buildings facing the square and the lighting situation make Casinoplatz feel unsafe at night

short term

• a clearer bike path through the square to avoid

conflict situations • create a better waiting situation at the tram stop • add good bike parking to create an attractive spot for exchanging modes of transport • test if the south facing facade can be relieved from traffic for ground floor functions to 'spill out' • test movable seating on the square • add a kiosk or food truck to the square, from which food can be brought to the popular lunch spot Münzterrasse and the adjacent stairs • add greenery to the square – planted trees or in pots

2

long term

• let the 'red square' identity spill out southwards

towards the stairs and the viewpoint, with paving material and character of benches, plants etc. or change the identity to something less traffic oriented and more formal • give the entrance to Kulturcasino more prominence by highlighting its entrance • connect the Kulturcasino and the Burgerbibliotek to the square by extending the paving • add better and more pedestrian crossings the road • create a better link to Kornhausplatz

Theater -platz

P

Casino -platz

P P

feldbr

en Kirch ücke

Re commendations 62 A frequented Pokemon hotspot, but nowhere to sit!

Challenging traffic situations

Unpleasant at night

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

before

after

Re commendations 63

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Staying activity weekday 1800

Case Public seating 1600 1400

1200 testing of furniture in public space to allow for new uses Continue 1000 800 600 96 Staying registrations Current situation 400

AVERAGE

• A lot of people 200 want to stay in Bern, but 50% 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400

of them do so in cafés and restauraunts, Staying activity weekday 0outdoor commercial seating 08:00movable 10:00 • There is only very little seating 12:00 possibilties, especially secondary seating in arcades or on the ground, but this is not possible for all ages groups and not convenient for all needs • Public seating is often very worn and needs an upgrade

14:00

16:00

18:00

20:00

200 0 08:00

10:00

12:00

14:00

16:00

18:00

20:00

Physical_Activity

14.2% Physical_Activity

122

Cultural_Activity

Commercial_Activity

122

Children_Playing

AVERAGE

AVERAGE

Lying_Down

Movable_Seating Cafe_Seating Secondary_Seating

50% café seating!

Bench_Seating Waiting_Transport Standing

14.2% 3.0% 13.0%

Standing

50.0% 14.4%

Cafe Seating

Great views but not so great staying quality

Standing

Waiting Transport 3.0%Cultural_Activity Bench Seating 13.0% Commercial_Activity Cafe Seating 50.0% Secondary Seating 14.4%Children_Playing Movable Seating 0.4% Lying_Down Lying Down 0.9% Children Playing 1.7% Movable_Seating Commercial Activity 1.4% Cultural Activity 0.2%Cafe_Seating Physical Activity 0.6%

Secondary_Seating

Weekday average of all staying registrations (08:00-20:00) in all Bench_Seating locations Waiting_Transport

0.4% 0.9% 1.7%

Existing benches often worn

Waiting Transport Bench Seating

Secondary Seating Movable Seating Lying Down Children Playing

Commercial Activity 1.4% Bus stops offer some seating options, but here on Kornhausplatz Culturalthey ActivityFloor and secondary seating is part of Bern's culture, and done by 0.2% are the only seating possibilities, for a lot of people staying many - but is this because there is a lack of other opportunities?

Physical Activity 0.6%

Standing

Re commendations 64

Best Practice Red movable chairs on Bern's Münsterplatz Within the framework of a pilot project, the city has tested a new form of seating culture in public space. On Münsterplatz, a historic square of great importance, bright red chairs and tables have been tested over the warm months of 2016. Passers-by and tourists can move them freely. During Gehl's observations people of all ages have made great use of the movable furniture for reading, eating lunch, enjoying the sun or relaxing in the shade.

The use of the red chairs on Münsterplatz during lunch

The use of the red chairs on Münsterplatz during lunch

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

furniture for staying as well as for playing

useful furniture for having a lunchbreak

Re commendations 65

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

San Francisco, USA

er n c W hat B

ou ld b

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re ...

Quotes and selected photos from the stakeholder workshop

" Liebe Grüsse aus der Stadt Bern, auf der kleinen Schanze geniesse ich einen Café unter den Bäumen. "

" Auf der kleinen Schanze kannst du jetzt Hängematten, Fat Boy etc. mieten (beim Park Cafe) und dabei ein Feierabendbier geniessen. Kommst du auch? Im Winter sollte eine Eisbahn geplant sein."

New York City, USA

" Toll – jedes Jahr finden hier Aktionen zum verweilen statt! "

Re commendations

" Cool! Die Leute hier in Bern bauen um die Statuen und Brunnen herum schöne gemütliche Sitzmöglichkeiten!

Die Kissen werden erst nächste Woche geliefert."

66 Sao Paolo, Brazil

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

" Öde Ecken in Bern sind jetzt begrünt mit fantastischen Pflazeinsätzen und breiten Sitzbänken, die auch zum Liegen geeignet sind!"

" Liebe Marie Stell dir vor, ich liege hier auf dem Bärenplatz!

Um mich herum lauter Bäume und Blumen, kein Asphalt! What a dream! "

A street that invites for staying: New Road, Brighton, UK

Philadelphia, US

Re commendations

Kiosk with shaded outdoor seating with direct relation to play possibilites. Place de la République, Paris

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

A good balance between private and public seating.

Krakow, Poland

67

Analysis Elements and identity Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and thanks to its six kilometers of arcades – or locally referred to as 'Lauben' – boasts one of the longest weather-sheltered promenades in Europe.

Adding to the arcades the historical townscape, dating back to the 12th century, is characterized by landmarks, towers, sculptural fountains, vaulted cellars and well-kept sandstone facades.

legend font is so little to fin into report without scaling

people walking in the arcades (in %)

people walking on the street (in %)

fountain Lorrainebrücke

Botanical Garden 5 min walk

sights / points of interest

71%

29%

arcades space + alleyways

55%

UNESCO border construction phases source: Baeriswyl, Armand - Stadt, Vorstadt und Stadterweiterung im Mittelalter [Schweizer Beiträge zur Kulturgeschichte des Mittelalters, Bd. 30] | Basel, 2003

45%

y

1% 99%

tur

Ho

dl er st ra

cen

ss Kunstmuseum e Bern

14

th

Kornhausbrücke

Aarb

13th

erge

rgas se

centu r

y

Nägel

igasse

Neuen

gasse

Predig ergass e

Grosse Schanze

UNESCO

Schütt estras se

Zeugha

Untertorbrücke

Kornhausplatz

Französische Kirche

de asshal Postg

usgass

e lgass

Spita

Rathaus

Kornha usplatz

Heiliggeistkirche

e

Käfigturm

Marktgasse

Kirche St. Peter + Paul

Rathausgasse

Nydeggkirche

asse Postg

Rathausplatz

e gass

s gkeit chit

Gere

Kramgasse Zytglogge Einsteinhaus

Amthausgasse

Münsterplatz

Casino -platz

Bundesplatz

y

tur

en hc

Münstergasse

Schauplatzgasse

Nydeggbrücke

t

Münster

12

Münsterplattform

sgasse

Bunde

Bundeshaus

29%

A naly sis 68

Kirchenfeldbrücke Bundeshausterrasse

Aare 12%

Kleine Schanze

88%

29% 71%

Aare 0m

50 m

100 m

200 m

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

A city of many different elements A range of different objects on the ground floor characterize the public space: fountains, flags, sculptures... Most of them are beautiful, inspiring and help wayfinding. But there is also a range of small elements which are not well maintained and create disturbing cluttering which makes walking on the streets more challenging.

100+ fountains

The arcades form an important streetscape element

6km Lauben

The arcades themselves do a lot for the street as they create an extended comfort zone that brings people closer to the weather without being right in it. They support walking and staying, by offering all season weather protection, providing shade when the sun is hot as well as cover from the rain and snow. The whole time the open skies are just a step away, meaning the minute rain stops you can be outside again.

The arcades are used in different ways.

But their potential is still not used to the fullest.

Beautiful historic buildings.

Closed facades do not invite or inspire to slow down or stay.

Cobblestones creating beautiful atmosphere, asphalt easy to maintain.

Cobblestones being noisy, asphalt being worn down.

Historic landmarks and buildings A range of impressive historic buildings are to be found in the Altstadt. They are stunningly beauty and function well as landmarks and meeting points, but do not interact with their surrounding. As for example, the closed-off facade of a historic building is neither inviting people nor offering visual nor active interaction.

Paving quality

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

A naly sis

Cobblestone is beautiful to be strolling on and creates more characteristic scenery reminding about the historic medieval past, but can be really loud if cars drive on it. It is also a challenge in terms of barrier-free accessibility and for bikes.

Asphalt on the other hand is easy to maintain and use, f.ex. to quickly put up a market, but does not offer high aesthetic quality. Today it is used on most of the squares, which can therefore not unfold their full potential.

69

Recommendations Underline the city's unique character The Altstadt's character consists both of the public spaces and buildings, together communicating the story of the Zähringer plan. There are also many small elements that help tell the story, such as fountains and integrated furniture.

ng

ng

Celebrate the unique setting

1

Celebrate the unique setting Strengthen the unique structure and identity

2

Capitalize on the potential of the arcades and alleyways

3

Improve the interaction of buildings with the outside

Kunst museum Bern

Kunst museum Bern

?

?

Café Café

Kunst museum Bern

Kunst museum Bern

• Emphasize the historic Zähringerstadt and

Re commendations

diminish the barrier effect at traffic nodes.

• Make use of the many different layers –cellars and upper floors in addition to the ground floors.

• Re-think the current use of courtyards! They are of great potential to become attractive public and private oasis.

• Make selected rooftops accessible to the public.

• Expose the historic Stadtbach in more locations to further strenghten the streets' character.

Examples from other cities show, that this can be P accomplished in a context-sensitive way without becoming an obstacle. max 1 h

• Remove cluttering and "clean up".

• Make sure that access to the arcades is barrier

free.

• Remove parking where it blocks the connection of buildings and the street.

• Let the functions of the buildings activate the street space in front of the arcades at certain locations.

• Activate alleyways temporarily, for example through art projects.

• Improve the alleyways in the long-term by a coherent strategy for paving, lighting and addition of new functions.

• Make buildings' functions spill out more into

public space. Public functions, such as libraries or museums need to use the space in front better.

P • Bring in new functions on the ground floor zones of the side streets, to attract a wider variety of people to the Altstadt.

• Create a policy for activating groundPfloors to bring in new life. Even in institutional buildings e.g. a canteen on the ground floor gives life to the street.

• Activate the setbacks in front of large institutional buildings (such as on Bundesgasse).

P

70

max 1 h

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Kunst museum Bern

Kunst museum Bern

P

4

Support characteristic streetscape elements

P

Café

Café

• Reduce cluttering (electricity boxes, etc.) in order

Café

Improve quality of paving

• Consider new forms of paving (instead of asphalt)

as a tool to support the historic atmosphere and enhance staying quality for important squares and on pedestrian-friendly streets.

• Consider leveling the cobblestones (as on Marktgasse) on certain streets or parts of streets to reduce noise and make it easier for handicapped, bicycles and small wheels to move around.

Re commendations

Café

to make room and highlight the characteristic elements better.

• Upgrade worn benches.

• Add seating in the archades.

• Maintain the historic fountains well and showcase them better by adding new forms of seating around them.

• Upgrade streetscape elements such as planters, trashbins, bike parking stands, newspaper stands, and advertisement panels.

5

71

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Case Stadtbach Highlight the Stadtbach in more locations

Current situation

Uncover the water channels

• Water is flowing under the streets of the Altstadt • For a long time the Stadtbach has been banished

• Uncover in more streets to emphasize their unique

to subterranean depths, since 2005 it has been uncovered again on Kram-, Gerechtigkeitsgasse • it is partly open, partly covered with a gutter • beautiful element which underlines a street's character • creating a pleasant soundscape • barrier for disabled and vehicles

today the water is hidden underground

character even more and improve the staying quality • Ensure that the water channel does not become a barrier to pedestrians, bicycles or cars • Mark well for the visually impaired • Learn from best practice examples of other cities such as Freiburg or Aarau

Re commendations 72

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Best Practice Aarau's Stadtbach In Aarau, design improvements of the main streets in the historic old town were implemented to enhance the attractivity of the car-free center. The reinterpretation of the Stadtbach by Stauffenegger + Stutz has been an integral part of public life since its opening in 2012.

different possibilities of making the water visible

A new water channel with wells shows that the Stadtbach once flowed through the streets in the old town, underlining the historic typology of the city. Special grates made of cast iron are placed on the water channel in selected locations, in order to allow for easier crossings, enabling high flexibility. Public seating elements are integrated into the design, creating possibilities for people to sit down and enjoy the water. The project also involves the renewal of the streets with barren stone paving and slab lining along the facades. Now also an interactive audioguide is guiding people through different stations of the Stadtbach.

After many years, the Stadtbach is visible on the street surface again

(Source: www.srf.ch, Keystone)

Re commendations 73 Kids playing with the water elements (design by Staufenegger + Stutz, Source: https://www.st-st.ch/publicdesign/altstadt-aarau.html) Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

er n c W hat B

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'Tonspur-Passage': a temporary art project in an arcade of Museumsquartier Vienna, Austria

" Neben der SplendidPassage gibt es in Bern heute mehrere Passagen dieser Art. Die Stadt hat dadurch viel an Qualität gewonnen."

Highlighting the arcades of historic buildings. Vienna, Austria

Paris, France

Re commendations

" Neben den historischen Brunnen gibt es heute in Bern Brunnen die begehbar sind. Ein erstes Beispiel dazu war früher der Bundesplatz."

Well-lit passage in Athens, Greece

" Was für ein schönes Wasserspiel. So wenig und doch so viel... Die Kinder hätten Freude!"

74 Waterplay on Bundesplatz, Bern

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

" Keine Autos, Gelegenheiten zum Verweilen, Pflästerung auch ok zum Velofahren. "

Roskilde Cathedral, Denmark

Publically accessible rooftop on top of Galeries Lafayette, Paris, France

Aalborg, Denmark

Paving which allows for walking and cycling too Copenhagen, Denmark

Re commendations 75 Invitations to contemplate the historical heritage, Bath, England.

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

Paving of the side streets spilling out. Could this be done with the alleyways too? London, UK

Summary of recommendations

Re commendations

Embrace the green and blue landscapes

A more welcoming, inviting city for all

Towards a balanced transport system

1

Greater invitations to enjoy the view

1

Create a lively city all day, all week and all year

1

Create a better distribution of pedestrian flows

2

Easier access to the Aare

2

A greater balance between different user groups

2

Improve the walkability

3

Maximize the potential of the unique topography

3

Update to accommodate people of different ages and needs

3

A smarter parking strategy

4

Emphasize the blue elements

4

Strenghten Bern Allstadt as a great place to live in the future

4

Upgrade facilities and infrastructure for bicycles

5

Highlight the existing greenery and add new forms

5

A better balance between different functions

5

Reduce conflicts between different transport modes

76

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study

A city of unique character

1

Create a public space network

1

Strengthen the unique structure and identity

2

Program for new activities and different uses

2

Capitalize on the potential of the arcades and alleyways

3

Add more public seating possibilities

3

Improve the interaction of buildings with the outside

4

Support the characteristic streetscape elements

5

Improve the quality of paving

4 5

Make public spaces work both everyday and during events Improve lighting and sense of safety at night

Re commendations

Celebrate the public spaces

77

Gehl / Bern PSPL Study