Possibilities and the effects of introducing superblocks in Zagreb Lower Town

Javorović, Karla; Ahac, Maja; Majstorović, Igor; Ahac, Saša · 2024 · Crossref

DOI: 10.5592/co/cetra.2024.1603

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Summary

This paper investigates the feasibility and impacts of implementing the "superblock" urban planning model in Zagreb’s historic Lower Town, a densely populated area characterized by narrow streets and significant traffic congestion. The research is motivated by the need to improve mobility for vulnerable users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, while adhering to strict preservation regulations that limit extensive construction in the historic center. The superblock concept aims to reduce motorized traffic, promote sustainable mobility, and increase green space to mitigate climate change effects. The study builds on previous urban planning proposals that identified the Lower Town’s fragmented street network and excessive on-street parking as primary barriers to efficient transport. The methodology involved a spatial analysis of the Lower Town, which identified 15 potential superblocks based on criteria including approximate 500x500 meter dimensions and borders defined by major public transport routes. One specific superblock, adjacent to a planned underground garage with 800 parking spaces, was selected for detailed evaluation. The authors assessed the current state of transport infrastructure using field investigations, cadastral maps, and traffic survey data from 2021 and 2022. They calculated the Level of Service (LOS) for both motor vehicles and pedestrians at seven signalized intersections using the Highway Capacity Manual methodology. Based on these findings, eight specific, low-intervention measures were proposed for the space freed by the removal of 450 on-street parking spaces. These measures included a 30 km/h speed limit, heavy traffic restrictions, the introduction of green infrastructure, expanded pedestrian crossings, curb extensions, and dedicated bicycle lanes. The results demonstrated that these small-scale interventions significantly improved transport quality without requiring major construction. The proposed changes reduced the average delay for motorized users by 40%, with specific intersections seeing reductions of up to 80 seconds per vehicle due to the elimination of parking-related lane oversaturation. While the average control delay for pedestrians remained constant at 17 seconds per person, the available space per pedestrian at crossings increased by an average of 30% due to wider crossings and curb extensions. Furthermore, the rededication of street space shifted the balance from motor vehicles to sustainable infrastructure: pedestrian areas increased by 19%, and green areas increased by 88%, while on-street parking was reduced by 92%. The study concludes that superblocks can be effectively implemented in historic urban centers through cost-effective, minor infrastructure modifications rather than extensive reconstruction. The findings suggest that removing on-street parking and reallocating that space to pedestrians and green infrastructure can simultaneously improve traffic flow for remaining motor vehicles and enhance the quality of life for residents. This approach offers a viable strategy for cities facing similar constraints, demonstrating that sustainable urban mobility and climate mitigation can be achieved by prioritizing people and green spaces over car-centric design.

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• speed management