The (Traffic) Calming Chicane

Derived from the German word for harassment, the "chicane" does not exactly harass traffic, but it definitely provides a calmer environment for pedestrians. This short clay animation piece by Elizabeth Press of StreetFilms simply and brilliantly illustrates the effect of the chicane on vehicle traffic, and its ability to expand space for pedestrians and landscaping.

Traffic calming is a body of design techniques used to moderate motor vehicle traffic in order to improve the quality of adjacent areas. The idea behind it is that the street belongs to people, not to cars, and therefore should be a comfortable, livable and ultimately human place. To learn a few easy and simple techniques, check out Project for Public Spaces' traffic calming toolbox.