THE group working on the revitalization of historic Colon Street has sought the help of a German planning expert to help realize the Cebu City government-initiated project.

Torben Heinemann from Leipzig, Germany gave a four-day lecture and workshop to more than 20 Architecture students from the University of San Carlos, University of the Visayas, and University of Southern Philippines earlier this year.

The students, divided into four groups, presented their vision of Colon once revitalization will commence.

Architect Joseph Michael Espina, USC School of Architecture, said many of the students’ ideas can be applied, but their proposals have to be detailed.

He added that the proposals have to be more practical and functional as well. Costing needs to be considered, too, he said.

One of the common components in the four groups’ presentations was “pedestrianization,” or opening the street to more people and restricting it to vehicles.

The groups proposed to maintain the historic characteristic of Colon Street, considering that it is the oldest street in the country, and support its “experiential quality.”

They proposed bicycle lanes, pocket gardens, arcades, and improvement of pavements. Decorative lamp posts and sun shades were also suggested.

One of the groups described Colon Street as presently “unsafe” and “unappealing.” It would take a lot of work to convince people to walk in the area, the students said.

Heinemann, an expert on pedestrianization, said that urban city centers are like an extended living room of the people.

In Leipzig, he said car access to the city center has been reduced, resulting in more people walking or traveling by bicycle on the streets.

Liepzig, the largest city in the German federal state of Saxony, was one of the most polluted cities in Europe 25 years ago, he said.

Today, Heinemann said the city has lost almost 95 percent of pollutants. The city government was able to convince residents to use bicycles, public transport, or walk instead of drive cars.

He said that supporting walking along city centers creates the desire in people to spend time in public, developing social security, and promotes local tourism. It is also a healthy activity.

They also converted old parking spaces into public spaces, decorated with fountains or converted into parks.

Heinemann called for additional bicycle infrastructure like lanes or parking spaces in Cebu City.

“Start now. Don’t wait anymore,” he said.

Heinemann will still meet with Espina’s group to discuss the next steps they will take.

Espina said the activity was meant to improve the capabilities of each member of their group.

“If ever we have funding already to make the plan, we can even call on him. He said he is willing to help,” he told reporters during a forum at the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. – Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (RAFI-EADSC) yesterday.

USC, through its conservation arm Conservation Heritage Studio and Workshop (CHERISH) unit, undertook a P5-million master plan study funded by the national government last year.

One of the problems in the Colon Street area that the group saw was flooding, which the revitalization project initiated by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama aims to solve.

After the study, Espina said they now have to come up with details of the project itself.

Espina said the group sought the help of RAFI, particularly the Mega Cebu consortium, because he believes it is the only group that can bring many stakeholders together.

The dean said he presented the plan to the Mega Cebu executive committee during one of its meetings and they were “very interested.”

“Since it’s election season, it is so difficult to move because politicians are very busy during this time. I hope after the elections, we’ll have something very concrete,” said Espina.

Historically, Colon has been the center of economic activity in Cebu City until the ‘90s when it was overtaken by malls and other upscale developments.

In recent years, the street’s popularity has declined due to urban problems like flooding, pollution, traffic, and petty crimes.