I’m visiting Seoul at the moment. And in the heart of this megacity, Cheonggyecheon Stream stands as a testament to the power of prioritising people over cars. Once buried beneath concrete and an huge elevated highway, this 11-kilometer-long stream is now a revitalised vibrant public space, offering a multitude of benefits to the city’s 25 million people. Even today, with the winter temperature at -8°C, locals and tourists are enjoying the enhanced urban liveability.
20 years ago, a huge elevated highway was dismantled to uncover and rejuvenate the historical stream beneath. The people of Seoul not only restored a natural feature in their city but reimagined an important urban space to foster community engagement, environmental sustainability, and economic revitalisation. The project is a model of how reducing car dependency can lead to healthier, more dynamic urban environments. The project reduced cars and increased bus and metro usage, demonstrating that priroritising pedestrian spaces can address reliance on cars without causing traffic jams.
In contrast, major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane keep expanding road networks in response to traffic congestion. But they are simply incentivising vehicle use, perpetuating a cycle of congestion and accerlating greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon project offers a compelling alternative. One that prioritises human-centered infrastructure. Just imagine Circular Quay Without the Cahill Expressway!
Embracing human-focused infrastructure projects yields multiple benefits. Reducing reliance on vehicles lowers air pollution and urban heat, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. Attractive public spaces draw people in and boost local businesses, stimulating economic growth. And accessible communal areas foster social interactions, cultural activities, and a sense of community.
Cheonggyecheon Stream is just one of many examples of how cities can transform urban landscapes by prioritising people over cars. Australian seems to have been moving blindly in the opposite direction. But we can change track. We can reimagine our urban spaces to create more sustainable, livable, and vibrant communities.
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