Swiss capital replaces parking spots with socialising spaces
Bern will host seven Parklets for a period of two months.
Keystone
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
The Swiss armaments industry is unhappy with a planned revision of rules governing the export and re-export of war materiels.
This content was published on
A trial of Geneva-based Islamologist Tariq Ramadan, accused of raping three women, is scheduled to take place in Paris in March.
Virtual Swiss agents cleared to infiltrate chatrooms
This content was published on
Swiss secret service agents have been given permission to track suspected terrorist in chatrooms under cover of assumed identities.
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.