Page - 133 - in Mobile Culture Studies - The Journal, Volume 3/2017

Mobile Culture Studies. The Journal 3 2o17 Patrick Naef | Using mobility and urban planning to implement atmosphere 133 matters related to atmosphere and place sharing, it is the overall functioning of the encounter zone which is determined by factors like the ones listed above. Complementary measures are now being introduced, essentially in the rectilinear zone, where round benches will be installed on the road, to reduce speed and favour pedestrian appropriation. (fig. 3) Shared space and atmosphere in encounter zones There are different approaches in the world, and also within Switzerland, to the relevance of installing street furniture and developing specific street design in encounter zones. Of course, these diverse position statements have an influence on the atmosphere of the place. The Touring Club Suisse (TCS), the main car lobby in Switzerland, agrees that no signage should be set up in an encounter zone, but the organization insists on the importance of developing a specific layout for such places: ‘An [encounter] zone is nothing more than an alibi when it is reduced to a sign at its entry without any of the necessary developments preventing high-speed traffic.’ (Touring Club Suisse, 2008) Different actions are proposed: levelling the pavement and the road, developing street furniture favouring pedestrian use, introducing vegetal elements and installing bollards, provided they do not recreate segregation between users.6 In the case of Versoix, the authorities and the architects had a shared vision of the necessary minimum when it came to street design and furniture. For the chief of urban planning in the municipality, ‘if we can do without it, we would rather aim to develop a sober aesthetic. We did not add much; it is pretty simple. There is a vine, there is a canal, but these elements aside, we are not see- king to add overwrought effects... We are not in a baroque language’ (personal communication, 15 September 2016) Nevertheless, some adaptations had to be made to this minimalist conception 6 Idem Fig. 3: Source: Ville de Fribourg