A growing market for public spaces
Cities across the world are beginning to realize the importance of creating comfortable urban spaces for people. For decades, Copenhagen has led other cities in providing friendly spaces for people, including the transformation of Strøget, one of the world’s largest and oldest pedestrian streets. Other cities, such as New York and Melbourne, have modified urban spaces to cater to pedestrians and cyclists, while improving overall safety for all street users.
With a surge of interest in creating people friendly cities, a strong market has been created for finding innovative ways to transform urban spaces. VEKSØ, a Danish company, provides these solutions by creating identities for public spaces, streets, parks, or any area that affects people, buildings, and the surroundings. The company specializes in products primarily for public spaces, including urban furniture and lighting, and a full catalogue can be found online.
VEKSØ also focuses on urban cycling solutions by designing and producing bicycle parking facilities for urban spaces, train stations, companies, and more. Cyclist counters are also available, which offer public data on cyclist numbers in a transparent and interactive way. VEKSØ is involved in promoting and marketing cycling as a sustainable transportation option, and is a member of the Cycling Embassy of Denmark. Having participated in the Velo-City Conference 2011 in Seville, VEKSØ continues to exhibit a strong interest and commitment in creating more bicycle friendly communities.
“The will to create results is greater than ever and talented bicycle nations all over the world have shared their knowledge and bicycle solutions whatever the size during three intense days. Gro Harlem Brundtland was one of the keynote speakers at the conference and her message came promptly: "Invest in people"! The will is there. VEKSØ was too.” – from VEKSØ website
As cities begin the shift away from automobile centered societies, the demand for innovative public spaces that cater to pedestrians and cyclists will greatly increase. Fortunately, companies such as VEKSØ are dedicated to enriching livable cities, and through these urban transformations, cities will become better places for all people.
Watch this video of Copenhagen in 1937 and the transformations of the city's public spaces throughout time.
Comments
I am born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, a place that saw it growth during the boom of the automobile era. Can you blame Phoenix for being built around the automobile, at a non-humanized scale and having a very sterile environment? It sounded good at the time, and everyone praised it mobility. Phoenix in a nutshell. And now we are talking about public spaces? The city of Phoenix has 188 city parks, 145 playgrounds, 137 basketball courts and 29 pools. There is definitely more to a place than just acknowledging a trend, and implementing a costly project, and waiting....ah, I could go on, and on. I do love Phoenix, do not get me wrong. We are a blank slate, if you want make any change in a city, or have influence, Phoenix is the place to be....but placemaking is important. Sense of place and a good story goes a long way.
Hi Keith - Thanks for your comment. Phoenix as a blank slate can be a quite positive statement as placemaking becomes more important in the future and opportunities to transform urban spaces arise. It is interesting that you mention "it [building around the automobile] sounded good at the time, and everyone praised it.." because that's an important point. The negative consequences of building around the automobile do not all materialize instantly, and it takes time to assess the changes to the social, economic, and natural environment. In this way, it is quite worrisome that automobile rates in China and India are increasing significantly - the negative impacts are sure to follow.
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