We explain how, in Estinnes, Belgium, the redevelopment of the street in front of a school was carried out using the PASTEL range to secure the arrival and departure of children as well as of the parents who come to pick them up or drop them off. This redevelopment also aims to improve traffic flow for both pedestrians and motorists.
Improving safety and visibility
Fabrication
The municipality of Estinnes, Belgium, planned the redevelopment of a section of road in front of a school entrance. A speed bump was installed and the pedestrian crossing was moved closer to the school gates. The local authority aims to provide more safety and comfort for both children and the parents accompanying them.
In northern France and Belgium, buildings often feature red brick architecture. One of the project’s main challenges was to carry out the redevelopment without compromising the character of the existing heritage.
MATERIALS
POWDER-COATED STEEL
ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT
Street design for school access
Designing a safe route to school is a vital process to guarantee children’s safety. It is a multi-step procedure generally implemented by local authorities and school staff.
1. Assess the needs of the school and residents
It is essential to understand the challenges faced by pupils and parents when accessing the school. Traffic flow analysis may lead to changes such as additional parking for cars/bikes, wider pavements, signage and dedicated pedestrian crossings.
2. Collaborate
Once needs are defined, it is important to work with the local authorities to assess viable solutions to improve safety: signage, specific parent drop-off zones, protected pedestrian areas or improved sidewalks.
3. Approve
All plans must be approved by the competent authorities before construction can begin. This ensures alignment with current regulations, and enables technical, environmental and legal checks.
4. Communicate
After implementation, it is important to monitor outcomes and set up regular evaluation tools. Surveys with parents and pupils help to assess impact, while authorities carry out ongoing road safety checks.
Photo before redevelopment
Photo after redevelopment
Improving safety and comfort near schools
Through this work, the municipality of Estinnes aims to offer greater safety and comfort to children and parents during school commutes. Measures such as speed bumps, a reconfigured crossing near the school exit and widened sidewalks enhance safety for both parents and school staff.
The use of the PASTEL range and existing signage also send out strong visual signals to motorists to improve pedestrian safety.
The PASTEL range – a colourful collection that blends into its environment
The PASTEL range is defined by soft colours that respond to the municipality’s aesthetic expectations. The visual impact of these choices ensures perfect integration into the site’s heritage. The colourful design also gives a fun, educational character to the site that strengthens the link between the public space and the school
Be’Max : the modular solution for your site
Photomontage and 3D rendering
The redevelopment also included the integration of a green Be’MAX shelter, offering an autonomous and planted waiting area. Several configurations are possible. Here, we designed a version with SYNERGIE bike racks and optional bench seating. This solution is fitted with a rainwater recovery system that allows autonomous irrigation of plants for up to 30–50 days. Perfect for entrances to primary or secondary schools, this unit provides a vegetated space where pupils and parents can safely park bicycles.
Interested in this project?
As urban furniture experts, we work with you on redevelopment of public spaces. With a wide range of solutions, we can support your specific needs and tailor our approach.
Together, we’ll find the best solutions for your project
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to explore our portfolio and discover how our expertise can benefit your project. With over 30 years of experience in designing vegetated urban furniture and outdoor spaces, we support your project from ideation to delivery.
Together, we find the most appropriate solutions for your needs.
Our work is also in line with today’s environmental imperatives. Atech is committed to offering 100% French greening solutions with the lowest possible carbon impact.
Products
Public bench – PASTEL
Be’Max bike shelter
Public bin – PASTEL
Public barrier – PASTEL
