Swiss capital replaces parking spots with socialising spaces
As part of a two-month experiment, the city of Bern has transformed a few parking spots into public meetup spots. The project is a symbolic move aimed at highlighting the need to reduce traffic downtown.
A total of seven parking spaces have been commandeered for the “Parklets”. They contain tables, modular benches and sun umbrellas. The spaces are meant to serve as communal zones for residents to meet and chat. The concept was first pioneered in San Francisco in 2010 and has five goals: Reimagine the potential of city streets, encourage non-motorised transport, enhance pedestrian safety, foster neigbourhood interaction, and support local business.
Bern is the first Swiss city to embrace the concept. No commercial activity is allowed in the Parklets.
More
More
Swiss cities: How clean is clean enough?
This content was published on
If you think Swiss streets are clean, meet the digital system that could make them even cleaner by counting and categorising different types of trash.
This content was published on
Swiss public broadcasters RTS and SRF are drastically reducing their communications via the social network X (formerly Twitter).
Israel: president of Swiss universities rejects academic boycott
This content was published on
Luciana Vaccaro, president of Swissuniversities, the umbrella group of Swiss universities, is not in favour of an academic boycott of Israeli universities.
First large-scale alpine solar plant approved in Switzerland
This content was published on
The approval was met with satisfaction by the project's organisers, but it also brings with it a certain amount of pressure.
Medieval squirrels may have ‘helped spread leprosy’
This content was published on
An examination of squirrel remains in the United Kingdom has opened up interesting questions and possibilities in terms of the history of the disease.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Tour the Swiss flat made from recyclable, compostable…and edible materials
This content was published on
This modern flat doubles as a research project aimed at finding new materials and technologies to help reduce the resources needed for construction.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.