Superblock: The modern urban traffic concept of sustainable city development

Damnjanović, Nevena; Jevremović, Sreten; Trpković, Ana; Gajić, Ranka · 2024 · Crossref

DOI: 10.5937/eko-eng24015d

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Summary

This paper addresses the urgent need for sustainable urban development strategies in response to rapid global urbanization, projected to affect 70% of the population by 2050. The authors critique traditional urban design, which prioritizes motor vehicle efficiency at the expense of environmental health, resident well-being, and sustainable transport options. The study focuses on the "superblock" concept—a modern urban traffic model originating from Barcelona’s ecological urbanism—as a solution to reorganize urban space. The core objective is to redefine traffic priorities within specific urban units to prioritize active mobility (walking and cycling), reduce motorized transit, and enhance social interaction and environmental quality. The methodology combines a theoretical analysis of superblock characteristics with a practical case study applied to a specific urban block in Belgrade, Serbia. The authors first review the historical genesis of the concept, tracing it from the 1929 Radburn neighborhood in the US to its modern application in cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Copenhagen. They define key design parameters, such as dimensions (typically 400x400m to 500x500m), speed limits (10–30 km/h internally, 50 km/h on perimeters), and traffic calming measures. The empirical component involves analyzing the current state of a Belgrade block bounded by 27. Marta, Takovska, Cvijiceva, and Starine Novaka streets. This analysis includes geometric assessments of street profiles, traffic flow regimes, and accident data, identifying issues such as narrow sidewalks, lack of cycling infrastructure, and high transit traffic through residential areas. The findings present a detailed proposal for transforming the Belgrade block into a functional and then an urban superblock. The design involves closing central segments to motor vehicles to create public squares with green spaces, benches, and recreational facilities. Key interventions include lowering curbs to create level surfaces, installing a central bicycle lane along Dalmatinska Street, and implementing cyclist-friendly roundabouts at entrances. The proposal distinguishes between temporary "soft" measures (e.g., paint markings, parklets) to test functionality and long-term structural changes requiring significant investment, such as relocating parking to off-street garages. The analysis indicates that these changes would significantly reduce noise and exhaust emissions, improve traffic safety for non-motorized users, and foster social cohesion. The significance of this work lies in its demonstration of how the superblock concept can be adapted to existing urban fabrics in cities outside of Western Europe. The authors conclude that successful implementation requires adequate urban planning, stakeholder participation, and continuous evaluation. By shifting priority from cars to people, superblocks offer a viable path toward sustainable mobility, improved air quality, and enhanced quality of life. The paper serves as both a theoretical framework and a practical guide for urban planners seeking to mitigate the negative impacts of motorization in dense urban environments.

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• urban rural setting