Woonerf.
From Pocket Neighborhoods: Creating Small-Scale Community in a Large-Scale World by Ross Chapmin (full review coming up):
Although a lane is a narrow road for cars that is easily shared with pedestrians, a “woonerf” is a pedestrian space reluctantly shared with cars. The term is a Dutch word that roughly translates as “living street.” It originated in the Netherlands as a place where pedestrians, bicyclists, playing children, and even casual loiterers have reign over the whole street. Motorized traffic is allowed, but only at a walking pace.
Woonerfs have no lane markings, curbs, sidewalks, signals, or crossing signs. They are, however, surfaced with paving blocks to signal a pedestrian zone. This contrarian approach blurs the lines between vehicular and people space. Unsure of what space belongs to them, drivers become much more alert. Jan Gehl, an urban planner from Copenhagen, finds that “people look each other in the eye and maneuver in respect.” The outcome is drastically slower traffic and far fewer accidents.
-Shlok
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