Street Moves: Gothenburg

Brahegatan is home to a variety of businesses, including restaurants offering Persian, Indian, Ethiopian, and Japanese cuisine, a hair salon, a bakery, a dry cleaner, and a community day center. The section near Artillerigatan primarily consists of parking spaces, a turning area, and a few trees. Although the speed limit on the street was already low before the Street Moves project, many perceived traffic speeds as high, especially at night. Brahegatan plays a vital role in Gamlestaden, an area undergoing significant urban transformation.

The architectural firm Krook & Tjäder ↗ collaborated with the City of Gothenburg’s Traffic Department to develop a Street Moves module previously tested at Grönsakstorget since 2020. On Brahegatan, the city aimed to introduce more functional spaces and provide pedestrians with greater priority.

The Street Moves process involved extensive input from local businesses and residents, whose feedback was integrated into the design. Prepaid postcards were also sent to residents, inviting suggestions and ideas. The feedback revealed a desire for a greener street with spaces for movement, socializing, and play. As a result, Brahegatan was equipped with triangular wooden and metal modules of varying heights, focusing on greenery, play, and creating a safer street environment. In addition to nearly 30 modules, 28 nursery trees were placed along the street.

The modular setup was in place during the summer of 2022 and serves as the basis for more permanent changes in the future. The furniture will also be tested in other locations across the municipality in the years to come.