URBAN DESIGN International (2008) 13, 105–120. doi:10.1057/udi.2008.10

Transitioning urban arterial roads to activity corridors

Carey Curtis1 and Reena Tiwari1

1Australasian Centre for the Governance and Management of Urban Transport, School of the Built Environment, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Bentley 6845, Western Australia

Correspondence: Carey Curtis, Tel: +618-9266-2061; Fax: +618-9266-2711; E-mail: c.curtis@curtin.edu.au

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Abstract

A new planning concept, the activity corridor, proposes changes to the management of Greater Perth's existing arterial road network. This raises the challenge of how to transition from arterial roads conceived around a vehicular traffic function to activity corridors conceived around the principles of place-making and accessibility by all modes. We examine the drivers for current and past design practice for arterial roads in cities of the developed world. Using a Perth case study, our research evaluates existing arterial roads looking at their physical, functional and social dimensions. Using this knowledge, we develop a management tool designed to guide the transition of appropriate urban arterials to activity corridors across the city region.

Keywords:

place-making, liveable streets, sustainable transport