Shared Spaces

Research in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney to examine shared space road infrastructure and the underlying design principles.


Background

In 2021, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) undertook research around shared space design concepts and applications in NSW. 

Stage 1 research found that 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 2 research builds off evidence from stage 1, consolidating findings of previous work through additional guidance from transport practitioners and members of the community. 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 TfNSW and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, 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.  

Objectives 

This project aims to meet the following objectives:

  • Provide transport practitioners with clarity around definitions, objectives, design options and limitations of shared space applications in NSW.
  • Consolidate data around the location and categorisation of shared road infrastructure in NSW for practitioners to use as a resource to guide future designs and implementations.

Shared spaces minimise separation of travel modes and help reduce the dominance of private vehicles, encouraging active modes of transport and use of urban spaces by people and communities.

Updates 

Further updates will be provided as this project progresses.

This research is delivered in partnership with iMOVE CRC and supported by the Cooperative Research Centres program, an Australian Government initiative.