A proposal to block cars from the Runway in Playa Vista reflects a new approach to user experience in retail environments.
Roger Vincent reports on plans to block cars from the main shopping corridor in Playa Vista, one of the newest master planned developments in Los Angeles. According to Vincent, "the center, known as Runway, is being remade as a place where pedestrians will be more inclined to hang out, shop and eat — without having to dodge vehicles."
"After seeing the closed-off streets packed with people during farmers markets and other special events, manager DJM Capital Partners Inc. concluded that Runway’s autocentric ethos was outdated and has decided to make the ban full time, even though the center was built only three years ago in the recently developed community," adds Vincent.
The Runway isn't too far away from the location of a recent flare up of pro-car animus that eventually caused the demise of a road diet on on Vista del Mar in the adjacent neighborhood of Playa del Rey. Far from that provoking a controversy, Vincent reports that plans for a car-free Runway has won the support of local residents.
FULL STORY: Cars soon will be unwelcome on Playa Vista's main drag. And a lot of people are happy about it
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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