Bari – Greening the streets

Bari is ranked as having one of the lowest densities of green spaces out of all the larger Italian cities. The city can be separated into 3 distinct zones designed in different periods of time, which has contributed to its lack of public green spaces. Zone 1 is Barivecchia, the medevil zone with narrow streets and ancient walls and no green space. Zone 2 is the Murat district designed at the beginning of the 19th century with a traditional design of its streets and buildings, a couple streets with trees and a few main piazzas. Zone 3, which was designed in the 20th century, has a dense urban area with gardens and parks incorporated over the last 40 years (Sanesi & Chiarello, 2006).

Sanesi & Chiarello, 2006

Aside from the lack of green areas, Bari’s city centre is plagued by traffic congestion, noise and air pollution and unreliable public transport.

This project will set to improve all of these problems facing the city of Bari, focusing on a section of the Murat district (orange box) ,the city’s commercial and residential centre. Outside the focus area are the University of Bari, (outlined red, left) and the central train station (outlined red, bottom), two important areas in the vicinity.

Via Argiro (right), Via Roberto (bottom left) and Via Sparano (bottom right) are examples of pedestrianised areas in the Murat district, with the latter 2 prohibiting vehicles in recent years. Via Roberto, which was closed off in the last year, borders the university and as shown by the makeshift benches and gardens, is becoming a popular hangout for students and residents with several cafes and restaurants. Adding green to the city improves the atmosphere and quality of life for all citizens by making safer and more vibrant streets, but can this be done successfully on a larger scale?

Source: Occhi sulla Cultura, 2015

Soure: La Repubblica Bari, 2012

Source: Il capocomitivia di bari, 2006

With Bari lacking green areas and the space to improve this, would it be possible to transform its streets into green areas? The orange outlined streets represent the streets that have already been pedestrianised, while the blue streets represent the vision for the future. In this vision, the streets become the green spaces, with grass, plants, trees and paths for jogging and cycling.

Private vehicles would be prohibited from entering this area, leaving the horizontal streets open to public transport and cyclists.

With this, the city centre would become its own park.

Corso Cavour, the street located on the right edge of the zone is a main four lane street (bottom left) with several islands and a fountain separating the 4 lanes. Using two of the lanes and the existing green areas, this street could be turned into a beautiful square (bottom right), as well as decreasing traffic speeds in the area.

Source: Comenius Museum Bari, 2013

Source: Urbanfile.org, 2016

If the streets are to be closed off and made more liveable, the problem of traffic and transportation needs to be addressed.

Parking in the city centre is also a huge problem, so it will be met by opposition. To start, increasing the recently implemented, completely electric, car sharing, as well as the bike sharing (top right), programme in Bari would help alleviate the need for parking, especially around various locations in Zone 3, where many people are commuting from.

Source: Amtab – Bariinbici, 2016

Source: Cycling Embassy of Great Britain, 2015

Bari already has many kilometres of electric tram lines throughout the city that are not used. By implementing cleaner, more efficient public transport throughout the city, it could increase its attractiveness while decreasing private vehicle use. Having a fixed tram could also reduce traffic congestion. Pictured right is along the Lungomare, where many commuters enter the city. Aside from the bike sharing programme, Bari would also need to improve its cycling infrastructure to ensure riders feel safe while they’re riding. Cycle lanes (pictured above) would improve this, along with segregated bus and tram lanes.

Source: ecodallecitta.it, 2010

Funding from the commune will be vital to support Amtab – Bari’s public transport provider, to improve its transport, as well as BariinBici – the bike sharing division of Amtab. Private public partnerships could be used in order to avoid raising taxes, another obstacle that could diminish support. The success with GiroACI, the city’s first car sharing service, will be important in increasing car sharing around the city.

Most importantly, it will be up to the citizens and shop owners to accept these new ideas. By using local organisations, they can help promote different initiatives in the area. PromoVerde Puglia, an association that has created the initiative ‘Primavera Mediterranea’ has had various displays (pictured above) located on Via Argiro, as well as collaborating with schools in the area (right). Increasing community involvement would help the city garner the support it needs to kick-start this movement.