Evaluation and implementation of Shared Spaces in NSW
Foundational research designed to support shared space design concepts and applications in NSW, delivered in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney.
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To support Transport for NSW (Transport) vision to “create vibrant, productive, liveable and sustainable places that support community health, safety and wellbeing”, Transport partnered with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) on a multi-staged research program.
Stage 1: Evaluation and Implementation of Shared Spaces in NSW
Stage 1 of the research was designed to develop a clear understanding of existing literature, standards, legislation and guidelines related to the design and implementation of shared spaces in a local and global context.
This research used case studies of shared space implementation in both Australia and globally.
It helps to understand shared space best practice and define the relationship between design parameters and performance metrics.
Both are key to determining the factors that lead to successful shared space implementations.
The final report from Stage 1 of the research found:
- the shared space design concept is one tool that can be used to form successful places across the community
- a spectrum of intervention and design options are available to transport professionals to achieve a shared space within the road network
- defining relationships between design parameters and performance metrics, are key to determine the factors that lead to successful shared space implementations
- current guidelines, standards and practical processes limit the application of novel shared space solutions as well as other traditional solutions that value place over movement.
Stage 1 reports
The report outlines the findings of Stage 1 research that aims to re-establish the definition and understanding of shared space designs.
This will provide transport practitioners additional options to define successful places.
The focus of this report was to understand this concept and determine how shared spaces can support and enhance the development of “successful places”, a key strategic priority.
Stage 1 research was presented at the National Roads & Traffic Expo, which was held on the 18-19 May 2022 at the International Convention Centre. The presentation slides are provided below.
Shared Spaces to create Safe Places (PDF, 2.03 MB)
Stage 2: Evaluation and Implementation of Shared Spaces in NSW
Stage 2a of the research program builds off evidence from Stage 1, consolidating findings of previous work through additional guidance and perspectives from transport practitioners. It also identifies existing shared road infrastructure as potential examples of case studies for future designs.
Though shared space design principles are central to the initiatives of Transport and the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, there is limited guidance regarding the design, implementation and evaluation of shared spaces. This challenges the ability of practitioners to implement innovative solutions to establish places within urban landscapes and road networks.
The final report from Stage 2a of the research found:
- Stakeholder consultation workshops revealed that shared spaces were seen as a valuable tool in balancing movement and place for street and road designs.
- Workshop participants identified safety, enhanced priority for active and public transport modes, lower speed environments and establishment of place using nature and other social infrastructure as the core aspects necessary for an ideal user experience.
- “Vehicle Speed”, “Diversity of users” within the space/street and “Mode split” were the most highly cited metrics to assess shared spaces by workshop participants.
- Metrics of most importance tended to focus on social interaction and liveability with the presence of “nature/vegetation” being identified as important for evaluation of success.
Stage 2a reports
The report outlines the findings of Stage 2a research that aims to collate industry perspectives and examples of shared road infrastructure to provide greater clarity for the development of more comprehensive shared space guidance.
Stage 2a revealed the significance of shared space solutions in achieving streets that strike a safe balance between movement and place, aligning with various street classifications defined
by Transport.
Stage 2a of this research was delivered in partnership with iMOVE CRC and supported by the Cooperative Research Centres program, an Australian Government initiative.