Bicycle + public transport. Tasks towards 2040
WHAT WE TRACK
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from data to design
The aim of TRACK-Landscapes is to give direction to public space that sets people in motion with clear visions, strategies and design proposals. In order to provide insight into the nature of bottlenecks, we always conduct thorough research in the first place. Our expertise lies precisely in combining research and design.
We show the most important methods that we regularly use in the paragraphs below.
In the past 5 years, TRACK-landscapes has been given assignments in the following themes:
recreation & landscape
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sports in the city
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walking and cycling routes
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slow traffic & public transport
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We have developed and applied various research methods ourselves. The translation of this varies from more strategic visions to very concrete, executable elaborations of spatial improvement opportunities.
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Clients consist of municipalities, provinces, the government, but also investigative bodies.
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What is the best approach for your organization? That depends on the open issue at stake in your city or area. Every place and assignment is different, we always make custom work.
An exercise-friendly environment is in line with people's exercise preferences. Explaining opportunities for improvement should simply start by questioning the user about his spatial experiences and wishes. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people experience their living environment while moving. Together they possess the most extensive and detailed knowledge where the activity-friendliness of the environment leaves something to be desired. The knowledge and wishes of that shared memory; we harvest them with our map surveys.
In Brussels , 1240 runners (online) mapped out more than 2100 wishes for a running-friendly city.
In Amstelveen , 300 outdoor athletes (cyclists, walkers and runners) both inside and outside the city mapped out their wishes.
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In Maarschalkerweerd 70 walkers and runners mapped out where their 'routes out of the city' could be improved.
Map Surveys.
Activity tracking data
speaking with our feet
We use data from activity trackers to map the movement behavior of thousands of cyclists and pedestrians. Moving people speak with their feet. Visualizations of data show our exercise preferences, and also where the space is used optimally or not. The uniqueness of this data is that it provides an overview of the actual use at a glance, they provide insights that have not been shown before, which are used as input for design assignments.
In Amersfoort we are currently using data from Strava Metro to map the use of cyclists, runners and mountain bikers.
In Utrecht , we used data from Endomondo recreational and utilitarian bicycle rides. This dataset, together with data from Runkeeper, was also used in Amsterdam , Brussels , Rotterdam , The Hague and Amstelveen.
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In the Bicycle+OV task, we used data from the Cycle counting week map the cycling routes to stations.​
Inventory & analysis
Mapping 'Thoroughly'
With clear overview maps we expose the structures of the city and landscape. At the same time, the living environment for moving people is especially relevant on one level: eye level, with both feet on the ground (or on the pedals). We always relate structural analyzes to the experience and appearance of places, on location. With this approach, analyzes come to life. We frequently visit our project areas and capture them on image; one picture or clear map often says more than many words. Precisely from our thorough In this way of research, we also find the quick-wins , the most obvious opportunities for improvement.
​ Opportunities for route-bound recreation were inventoried in Utrecht and Amersfoort. The use of areas usually appears to be related to the clarity of route structures and visible accessibility of areas.
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In the Noorderpark Utrecht proved to be very profitable in small improvements; the logic of route structures and clarity of entrances.
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In Rotterdam also showed how strongly the subtle imperfections of parks and streets influence walking choices.
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knowledge & references
All over the world (scientific) research is being done and projects are being undertaken to increase the mobility-friendliness of the city and landscape.
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At TRACK-landscapes we collect the most interesting and recent studies; from universities, governments and other research and design bodies.
Moreover, the Netherlands has extensive geographical datasets, which can provide a surprising amount of insights. We are proficient with the many GIS applications and information sources.
​ In the Bicycle+OV . exercise we made an extensive inventory of scientific research about Fiets+OV. Various national geographic datasets (on population and mobility) were used.
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In Utrecht and Amersfoort the trends in recreation and leisure activities were explained. Various provincial spatial datasets were spatially visualized.
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As a Young Innovator was in Utrecht knowledge about the reach of pedestrians, and actual occupation of the space related to the opportunities for developments in the railway zone.
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Science worldwide
From regional visions to quick wins
We are landscape architects, the core of our work is making strategic visions in areas, and translating this into concrete design proposals. Research can provide insight into the nature of problems. But you can't research a brighter future: we have to come up with it ourselves. Sometimes good solutions only reveal what the problem is.
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Over the past decade we have worked on a large scale on revisions of urban and landscape structures, but also on a smaller scale on the design of parks, residential areas, playgrounds, squares and streets. These are always transformations, adaptations of existing structures and functions. That is always the biggest challenge.
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In Brussels and Amstelveen we made strategic yet concrete proposals to create a movement-friendly route structure that connects the entire city.
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As a Young Innovator in Utrecht Opportunities were sought to give the rail zone more meaning for the city through design.
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In Rotterdam also showed how strongly the subtle imperfections of parks and streets influence walking choices.
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