Design principles for the public realm

The following basic principles reflect the importance that should be accorded to pedestrians in the design and layout of the public realm:

• In areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, especially commercial streets, ensure the proper design of the public realm by:
  • Providing sidewalks whose width is uniform and sufficient to allow for comfortable and safe pedestrian traffic;
  • Ensuring signage and traffic signals to protect pedestrian movement and design intersections so as to favour pedestrian traffic;
  • Providing simple, lasting street furniture suitable to street's character, as well as functional, safe and aesthetic lighting;
  • Encouraging the integration of works of art;
  • Maximizing the planting of trees where the setting allows while guaranteeing the conditions and underground space necessary for their healthy growth;
  • Favouring the placement of street furniture and facilities such as bus shelters, mailboxes and telephone booths so as to facilitate pedestrian traffic and sidewalk maintenance.
• In residential areas, ensure the creation of a safe and friendly urban environment that favours pedestrian travel. The following characteristics should be pursued in this regard:
  • A structured, permeable street grid in continuity with existing streets;
  • Smaller blocks to encourage walking;
  • Narrower roadways to allow for on-street parking and to slow down traffic;
  • Sidewalks along streets;
  • Adequate lighting on streets and walkways.
• Ensure the comfort and safety of public plaza, square and park users by controlling the height of the surrounding buildings and integrating special landscaping criteria into their design particularly with regard to lighting, visibility and accessibility, as well as wind and sun conditions.