What is a Woonerf?

A “woonerf” is an urban design tool which originated in the Netherlands. It is intended to transform streets from car prioritized spaces to shared spaces for all modes of transport, including pedestrians. Woonerfs are designed to make the driver feel uncomfortable, thus forcing them to reduce their speed, as opposed to using the traditional method of signs and speed-bumps.

A woonerf blends the line between pedestrian and vehicle paths. By removing curbs and any indication of a car travel line, while at the same time adding landscaping and street furniture, the public realm for pedestrians is expanded into what was the street. Parking areas are dispersed, so to prevent a wall of cars blocking access to the street. Curves are used to reduce sight lines for drivers. If a driver is able to see an exit in the distance, they will try to get there as fast as possible while disregarding the pedestrians. Sidewalks are also eliminated in a woonerf, since the idea is that people and vehicles share the same space.

In a culture where drivers feel that they have priority over pedestrians and bicyclists, a woonerf is an extreme urban design method to advocate for the opposite. Studies have shown that woonerfs have encouraged more neighborhood activity to occur outside on the streets. Parents feel comfortable allowing their children to play in the street since speeds of cars are typically reduced to 10 mph.

-Dan