Ciao! So I have been writing about things other than my schooling and my own projects lately so I guess I’d better write about something I am doing at school this time! Right now one of the projects that I guess is coming along the most smoothly is my Urban Planning project. We are working on a zone right in Ferrara around the train station and its surrounding industrial areas. The idea is to bring a stronger connection of the newer industrial zone to the old, renaissance zone in the centre of Ferrara.
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Here is a picture of what the planning process is beginning to look like. It is basically designs and ideas being overlaid on the existing plans of Ferrara now, and throughout various stages through history.
We are basically looking at historical plans to see how changes were made and why, traffic routes now and through history to see how the spaces were used, and building developments to see where industry took off.
We also have to consider how pedestrians use the spaces, especially because it is a fairly industrial zone, which can be sometimes uncomfortable for those on foot. Around the station is particularly difficult since so many people in Europe travel by train and are traveling on foot from there. The station right now is unconnected to the centre of Ferrara as new building developments have really blocked the way and with the surrounding industrial zones on three sides of the station, there is only one place for pedestrians to walk, and it is a horrible, car-dominated, 60′s style sector of the city. Not so pleasing.
Ferrara is surrounded by old fortress walls which have now been turned into running, biking and walking paths, which are being connected to many other parks around the city. The idea is to bring a “green” connection into the city which can be difficult to do, as any vehicular obstructions throughout the connection can easily deter pedestrians from continuing forward.
Right now we are finding ways to bring the green spaces from one side of the station to the other by widening pedestrian paths, opening up dark underpasses and including things such as golf and community gardens to give people a reason to visit the zone. One other thing we are trying to do is regain the pedestrian front around the station by slowing traffic and expanding a public square.
Urban planning is so interesting because you really have to think about all aspects of the city and what they mean, and realize that one change can create a chain reaction, affecting everything else around it. Definitely one of the most challenging projects I have faced, but it is coming along. :)
Ciao, until next time!
