Merging Transport and Ecological Benefits: A Co-Design Framework for Sustainable Urban Streets

Abstract

Urban streets, historically prioritizing vehicular efficiency, are undergoing a paradigm shift toward inclusive, ecologically vibrant environments. This study introduces an innovative Urban Streetscape Co-Design Framework to address fragmentation between traditional transportation infrastructure and socio-ecological goals. Integrating stakeholder collaboration, multidisciplinary expertise, and cyclical design, the framework reimagines streets as multifunctional hubs for pedestrian safety, social interaction, and ecological resilience. Strategies include spatial reorganization, nature-based stormwater management, and biodiversity-driven planting with native/tiered vegetation. Global case studies (Copenhagen’s cycle superhighways, Portland’s green streets) demonstrate measurable impacts: 30% reduction in pedestrian accidents, 40–60% runoff mitigation, and 25–60% increases in local pollinator and bird populations. The framework challenges siloed planning by embedding community input and ecological science into all design phases, offering a replicable model for sustainable, livable street ecosystems. Bridging mobility, equity, and environmental goals, this research advances co-design as a critical tool for urban regeneration amid climate change and rapid urbanization.

Keywords: Co-design, Pedestrian-friendly streets, Ecological resilience, Multifunctional infrastructure, Stakeholder collaboration, Urban sustainability