Global Street Design Guide Streets Pedestrian-Priority Spaces Laneways and Alleys Example 2: 10 m

Global Street Design Guide

Example 2: 10 m

Additional Considerations

Local climates will affect the street experience and use. Consider covering laneways to provide protection from the weather and encourage year-round use. Screens may be used to protect from wind.

Engage local artists, residents, and businesses to shape the character of the space according to uses and business types.¹

Use of signage, building textures, and material variety on building edges add visual interest to the laneway.

Commercial laneways should have active ground-floor activities. Encourage businesses to provide large and transparent openings directly onto the lane to increase activity.

Tokyo, Japan. A back alley hosts commercial uses and maintains emergency egress.

Sydney, Australia. Newly converted Ash Street, connecting Angel Place and Palings Lane, is lined with restaurants and cafés.

Cairo, Egypt. A local laneway attracts evening activities, keeping the street safe and lively.

Footnotes

^{1. History Program at the City of Sydney, “Sydney’s Little Laneways Historical Walking Tour” September 2011.}

Adapted by Global Street Design Guide published by Island Press.