Civilised Space

Everyone immediately recognizes spaces that feel right – places where drivers no longer assume they have priority, and where pedestrians and cyclists feel safe and welcome. The classic mews court – a busy market square.

Good street design sends the right messages to drivers about their status and influences expectations about other street users.

As soon as drivers feel themselves a to be part of the civic life around them, civility returns.  Speeds reduce. Traffic takes up less space.  Lower speeds mean less noise, better air quality, and much greater safety.  Above all, streets become more forgiving, so that those who are most vulnerable are given time and space.  Our work sets out to show that good design can allow civility to flourish in public space.