CONTINUITY Continuity is defined as "the fact of something continuing for a long period of time without being changed or stopped." (Cambridge Dictionary).
In this context, it is connected to 'traffic data.' There is continuous use of vehicles in the area.
CONVENIENT Having six entry points and paths for the physical disabled makes the space convenient.
PROXIMITY Proximity covers both 'Mode splits' and 'Traffic data.' There are multiple transportation methods close to the space, such as city bikes, buses, electronic scooters, etc.
CONNECTED The space is connected to 14 different bus routes, rental of city bikes, and alternative paths for the physical disabled.
READABLE The space is readable in terms of signs for bus and city bikes and visible and clear paths to enter the space.
WALKABLE On the south side, the space has six different footpaths to enter the space, and on the north side, two paths.
ACCESSIBLE As mentioned, the space can be accessed from six different directions.
However, it is not possible to enter with any form of a motor vehicle.
HISTORIC The space has history from back to 1178.
It has been built and torn down several times, making the story of the bridge interesting and significant.
CLEAN Even though the space is covered with graffiti, there is not observed any garbage laying around. The space is mostly clean of waste.
SPECIAL The architecture of the space is unique.
It is mainly concrete and a pattern on the inclined plane. It also won a prize from the Norwegian Concrete Association (p. 118).
SAFE The space seems safe in terms of 'crime statistics.' No one mentions they have seen any criminality there the past
154
KEY QUALITIES
KEY ACTIVITIES SHELTERED
The fact that the space is sheltered with a roof and a wall is an essential quality in a city where it rains on average 146 days a year, and the wind is often strong. However, with little light at night, a sheltered space can feel claustrophobic and scary.
THE VIEW
As people mention, they like seeing the river from underneath the bridge due to the 'majestic poles,' as one person stated. It is also possible to see Nidarosdommen from the north side of the bridge.
CENTRAL LOCATION
It is an accessible space surrounded by many facilities and easy access to transportation. As the maps on pages 116-117 state, the area is an important meeting point in Trondheim.
ARCHITECTURE
The construction is based on concrete and got the award,
"Concrete Board" in 2004. People enjoy the unique architecture, open space, majestic poles, and the pattern on the inclined plane.
WALKING
Walking is the most common activity in the space. People walk with their dog, a stroller, or to get some exercise.
BIKING
Many people pass the space on bicycles to get to their destination.
RUNNING
Running is the second most common activity in the space.
Trondheim is filled with active people that run around the river due to the pleasant surroundings and the soft ground.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
THE ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR
SUMMER SPRING
AUTU MN WINTER
Kayak
Paddling
Hiking Running
Rowing Few runners and
some people walking
Festivals
Walking
156
Above is a figure of elements mentioned during the interviews, workshops, survey, and observations. The elements that are relevant at both night and daytime are placed on the middle line.
Nothing
OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS
SAFETY
How safe a person feels in the space is individual. During the workshops and interviews, the participants stated that they feel safe in the area but often not comfortable. The mother of two felt worried for her children's safety in the space.
HOMELESS
Some of the interviewees claimed that homeless people used to be in the space and sometimes drug addicts. The same people claim that they have not seen any in the past years. The same does the survey and workshop indicate.
LOW EXPECTATIONS
The survey, workshop, and interviews indicate that people, in general, have low expectations for the space under bridges.
One guy said, "It is a nice space, considered it is under a bridge." This statement emphasizes the low expectations people have for such spaces. As a result, the space under the Elgeseter bridge does not seem too bad.
SEATING
There are places to sit in the space. People can sit on the inclined plane, on top of the wall, next to the river, and at the end of the inclined plane. Nevertheless, no one uses it or has seen anyone use it.
DAYLIGHT
Trondheim is located north, which means it has long periods of darkness and daylight. On the darkest day of the year, there are 4,5 hours of daylight, and at the lightest, it can be up to 20,5 hours with daylight a day.
158
There are multiple factors and constraints to consider when aiming to design a successful activity in a public space. The Place diagram is a helpful tool to evaluate and reflect upon the different aspects of the space. Nevertheless, the fundamental element for a public space to be successful is that people must use it. For the people to use the activity, they must find the activity and place attractive, intuitive, and pleasant. In addition, the physical environment will affect the activity. Through the assessment of the space, I have identified the constraints and qualities of the physical environment, the view and perspectives of the people, the current usage of the space, and how similar spaces have been used for activities elsewhere.
RESEARCH
An activity can be initiated by society or the city planner through the construction and design of the space.
The space underneath the Elgeseter bridge is neither constructed for a specific activity nor has society created an activity there (except passing the space). The research section presents how an activity can appear under a bridge because of the community or the construction. That information is helpful to learn and get inspiration for an activity under the Elgeseter bridge.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
The space has four key qualities that are unique to the space. The space is sheltered, has a view of the river and the poles, a central location surrounded by multiple facilities, and interesting