The city of Strasbourg is working on a “different, less rigid use of public space”.
After a call for expressions of interest last June, it is experimenting with “ephemeral uses in the city”.
The “Oasis” project is currently being deployed, until August 31, on the Place du Temple Neuf in Strasbourg.
A square in the heart of the city where for the occasion, 35 parking spaces have been "temporarily" removed.
Two blue zones of six spaces each have also been designated in the immediate vicinity of the square.
Vegetation, urban developments that invite you to contemplate the place and enjoy its century-old plane trees, the place will also host events.
Wooden benches with large sloping backrests, leaning on plant installations, in the shade of hundred-year-old plane trees.
An invitation to contemplation, to the reappropriation of space, to give time back to time, to life.
Pots with legumes, a place for children, families, cultural events, or possibly having a simple drink, and of course bicycle racks.
All in the very heart of the city of Strasbourg, place du Temple Neuf.
An “Oasis” lined with preserved dwellings and its magnificent temple and an operation responding to a call for projects to create places in Strasbourg for “ephemeral uses”.
A place also well known to motorists who found there a chance to park at the very doors of the shops, even the ultimate solution for on-street parking near their homes for families in particular, living in the cathedral district.
In return, it should be noted that those who have a road subscription for this sector, zone 2, have been informed of the possibility of parking in the neighboring sectors (in zones n ° 4, 6 and 7) until 31 October, or take advantage of the Résideo subscription in the P3 car park in Les Halles or in the Petite France car park… “Not really next door”, we can already hear.
New uses of public space
The “Oasis” project, with a total budget of 80,000 euros, had already been announced and presented last October.
However, its implementation was again the subject of a press briefing on the site this Thursday, because the project was modified and a program of events defined in broad outline.
Other proposals are possible and expected.
In its philosophy, the project remains the same.
“It is an experiment in ephemeral use of the city, which prefigures that of tomorrow, a project which is part of a global reflection on the squares”, recalled the first deputy mayor Syamak Agha-Babaei.
Accompanied by Joël Steffen, assistant in charge of trade and crafts, he was thus reminded that "the use of public space should not be fixed and definitive", and that the objective is to
"consider a different way of designing the fabric of the city, with associations, citizen projects" in order to be able to "take a fresh look at a square or a district".
A vision of the city based in particular on the pedestrian plan where the car would find a place, but "row" in the car parks under construction.
The parking lot in question
Contrary to what was announced last October, it is not a quarter of the parking spaces that will be “ephemeral” until August 31, but the whole of the space that is now affected by this parking ban.
That is 35 places removed.
A development that is all in all logical for a real experimentation assures the city and a decision supported by the Direction of the territory which did not find it judicious "to have a mixed use of the place", assures the first deputy.
A new use which will also be regularly evaluated by mediators.
They will interview people on the spot.
“On the new uses of the square that will emerge, perhaps also potentially on new conflicts, explains Syamak Agha-Babaei.
But it is not because there is conflict,
that we must refrain from experimenting.
A return will be made at the end of the operation, promises the chosen one.
Another great novelty, resulting from the consultation with the various actors of the district, sometimes tense, the designation of blue parking zones (with a disc), in order to facilitate the rotations of the vehicles.
These are the first in the hypercentre, decided mainly at the request of traders.
At least twelve places have been evenly distributed between the adjacent Rue Temple Neuf and the Place du Marché Neuf.
Important, they will be limited to 40 minutes.
“A rich event program”
A place thus released which will allow the population to participate in workshops, events, exhibitions, assures the city.
“One on the climate and the other on bees, with a prominent place given to environmental action, explains Salem Drici, elected referent of the district.
Meetings, fun workshops for children and families, around public policies, sorting and recycling.
But also the question of transport, European questions.
Or even stammtischs on Thursdays at the end of the afternoon, for exchanges with elected officials, around themes such as healthy food, eating well, the question of mobility.
"The opportunity also for a" rich cultural program every Saturday or Sunday, continues Salem Drici, with expressions in the public space,
to leave room for the imagination, for poetry, with in particular the participation of the choreographic center and strong and specific times such as for the music festival or July 14th.
Finally, some businesses in the neighborhood could, on occasion, hold a stand.
The square will be open to the public once the latest developments, in particular revegetation and the installation of anti-car bollards which will surround the square, around June 1st.
Strasbourg
In Strasbourg, temporary facilities to experience the city differently
Strasbourg
How Strasbourg wants to encourage its inhabitants to walk more in the city
Mobility
Car
Parking
Strasbourg
Great East
Welfare