Factors influencing the development of Brisbane's laneways as successful urban spaces

Abstract

This research investigates how pedestrians use a specific form of urban space – laneways – and how this is associated with different land-uses and built form characteristics. The dependent variable is the vitality of laneways and two measures are used to assess this; pedestrian through-flow and pedestrian density. The independent variables are characteristics of the urban environment identified through the literature as likely to have an effect on vitality, these are: land-use, variety of built form, frontages and facades, grain size, permeability and accessibility, vehicular access and environmental quality, which includes the presence or absence of things such as graffiti, weeds, and seating. The research identifies a strong association between high levels of vitality and a preponderance of characteristics generally associated with good quality urban environments. The association is particularly strong in relation to permeability and accessibility, an absence of vehicular traffic and good environmental quality.

Keywords:

• laneways
• Brisbane
• urban spaces

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Stephen Wood of the University of New England for guiding the research project from which this paper is drawn and for reviewing an earlier draft of the paper. The author also thanks two anonymous reviewers for helpful comments on an earlier draft.

Notes

1. Elizabeth Arcade is not actually a laneway but was included because many laneways in Brisbane have not been fully developed. Elizabeth Arcade therefore represents an opportunity to test features of such a fully developed small urban space that serves as a cross-block link in a similar way to a laneway. It is acknowledged that the inclusion of the arcade introduces issues associated with quasi-public space but the exploration of these is beyond the scope of this work.

2. Subsequent to the conclusion of this research the Elizabeth/Charlotte Laneway, and all the buildings within it, has been demolished to make way for a new development.

3. Subsequent to the conclusion of this research, Brisbane City Council has sought to bring Burnett Lane to life by implementing a number of strategies including the installation of lighting, resurfacing of the roadway, and the encouragement of lunchtime market stalls, when traffic is further restricted. This appears to have had some positive impact and limited additional commercial activity is apparent.