The development of edge cities, a specific type of suburban environment, has been a prominent trend in the United States since the post-World War II era. These areas combine shopping and office complexes, primarily accessible by highways and automobiles. In Bratislava, the closest zone resembling an edge city is located near the Avion Shopping Park. However, similar to their American counterparts, these areas often lack pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, a problem that planned investments may not fully address.
Edge cities emerged in the United States following the growth of automobile usage, but variations of these developments have also appeared in other countries around the world. Essentially, edge cities are new hubs of commercial activity located outside traditional city centers. They are typically situated near highway intersections or airports, with automobile transportation playing a central role in these areas.
In Bratislava, the zone surrounding the Avion Shopping Park closely resembles the concept of an edge city. This area began to develop in the early 21st century with the construction of the shopping center and the adjacent IKEA store. Over time, office buildings started to emerge, along with hobby markets, new shopping options, and hotels. Unfortunately, public spaces in this area are limited to small scattered areas near individual projects, making the environment unfriendly for pedestrians and cyclists.
The local environment is extremely inhospitable for pedestrians and cyclists. Sidewalks are largely absent, and if they exist, they are not direct or connected. Crosswalks for pedestrians are also minimal and do not follow natural walking paths. Additionally, cycling paths are practically non-existent in this area. In this regard, the environment truly resembles the car-centric design found in the USA.
One particular area of concern is the surroundings of Galvaniho Street, a major urban axis that is intended to become a significant link to Nové Mesto and Rača in the future, with a feeder road connecting to the R1 expressway. For individuals trying to move from the Avion Shopping Park to the business centers, the current infrastructure poses a challenging and time-consuming task.
Recognizing the need for improved connectivity for individuals working in the office complexes, especially in the newest Galvaniho Business Center V, the investor Ingka Centres Slovakia – the owner of Avion, a close affiliate of the IKEA chain – has decided to construct a pedestrian bridge between these two locations. The bridge is intended to span Galvaniho Street, its adjacent buffer zones, the parking lot, and the supply yard of the Avion Shopping Park. On the western side, it will be integrated into the area near GBC 5, while on the side of the shopping center, it will lead to the entrance foyer before the gastronomy passage on the second floor. Staircases and high-capacity elevators suitable for transporting individuals with mobility impairments, bicycles, and small vehicles are planned on both sides of Galvaniho Street.
The investor anticipates that the bridge will improve access for people from the business centers who will use it to connect to public transportation stops and also stop by the shopping center. The bridge is designed to be attractive, with an elegant steel enclosed truss beam spanning 84.5 meters, a concept developed by the Suchánek architectural firm, which also designed the successful gastronomy passage.
The project is likely to be completed in a short timeframe, with the construction company INGSTEEL already selected as the contractor. The project has received the necessary approval from the city. If construction were to commence in the coming weeks, the bridge could potentially be realized within this year.
While the pedestrian bridge across Galvaniho Street may initially seem like a significant improvement, it may not fully address the overall challenges of the area. The lack of pedestrian crossings and inadequate sidewalks remain persistent issues, and the presence of the bridge alone may not be sufficient to create a pedestrian-friendly environment. In many cases, individuals may still choose to cross busy roads directly, bypassing available bridges, overpasses, or underpasses. This behavior highlights the importance of considering the natural flow of pedestrian traffic and the need for comprehensive infrastructure planning.
In conclusion, the construction of the pedestrian bridge near the Avion Shopping Park represents a step towards enhancing connectivity in the area. However, to truly create a pedestrian-friendly environment, additional measures beyond vertical separation of roadways may be necessary. Simple yet effective solutions such as well-designed sidewalks and ample pedestrian crossings are essential for improving the overall accessibility and comfort of the locality. By prioritizing pedestrian infrastructure, Bratislava can create a more welcoming and inclusive urban environment that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding edge city developments.