Homestrand streetscape study
Illustrations: A-Lab
Holmestrand streetscape study
A-Lab has worked on a streetscape study for Holmestrand municipality. It was very well- received and eventually approved by the city council late 2024. With a larger infrastructure upgrade of the new county road, redirection of car traffic is made possible. This will free up space for better green mobility, vitalization of the urban fabric and green elements. The streetscape report entails guides for future developing projects as well, as holistic planning is important. The report in its entirety can be read here.
TYPE OF PROJECT: report/study
LOCATION: Holmestrand
CLIENT: Holmestrand municipality
COLLABORATORS: Multiconsult
SIZE: 578 400 m2
TIMEFRAME: 2024
PROJECT STATUS: Completed
Process
The process of making the streetscape study was comprehensive due to the amount of involvement of several different actors. There were resources within the municipality, external professional input from consultants and an extensive participation process. Inhabitants, the cultural scene, politicians and business owners were involved in the participation process.
The new profile of Langgaten
Langgaten, an important street in Holmestrand, will partially be transformed from being a two lane street to a city street with only one lane. The street was proposed transformed in accordance to the principal of “shared space”. This entails low curbs and a holistic surface which subtle divisions indicating driving- and walking zones.
Byparken
The square, “Byparken”, is proposed to have lush and varied vegetation, including trees with fruits that blossoms in the spring time. We have suggested extroverted fronts and outdoor seating along the sunny northern façade. The park and the square will have both commercial and non-commercial services and amenities for all users and age.
Concept and vision
The park will be close to the county road where the bus stop is and will function as a connection between the mountainous area, city center and the docks. The park stretches from the forest to the water, and it weaves together these two natural elements in Holmestrand.
The streetscape in a nutshell proposes the following themes:
· Reducing and redirecting car traffic in Langgaten to make it more friendly for pedestrians and businesses.
· Parking for shopping
· More green vegetation
· Expansion of Dr. Graaruds plass as a square without cars
· Other squares will become green retreats and urban spaces with activities and stay
· The plan prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists and public transport travelers
