On 18 September at 3:00 PM, we warmly invite everyone to celebrate the opening of two new School Streets at II. János Pál pápa tér. Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/buwIuQWF5
The new School Streets in front of Deák Diák Primary and Secondary School and Budapest School are much more than new benches, greenery and colourful pavement art. They represent a people-centred approach to urban design that puts road safety, children and high-quality public spaces first.
The aim of the project is to make children’s journey to school safer while creating greener, more welcoming public spaces that encourage people to meet, spend time and build community.
Making II. János Pál pápa tér safer
The starting point of safe street design is always the most vulnerable road users. Pedestrians – especially children, older people and those with limited mobility – are the people our streets should protect first. Anyone who arrives by car becomes a pedestrian as soon as they step out of the vehicle, which is why pedestrian-friendly streets benefit everyone.
Children are not only less experienced in traffic but are also physically smaller, making them less visible to drivers. This is why school environments should be predictable and easy to navigate: crossings should be shorter, vehicle speeds lower, and pedestrians should have to cross as few traffic lanes as possible at a time.
To achieve this, we redesigned the intersections around II. János Pál pápa Square by tightening turning radii, shortening pedestrian crossings, introducing pedestrian refuge islands and other traffic-calming measures, and adding new street furniture and planting beds.
The colourful pavement graphics do more than brighten the space—they also serve as visual cues, reminding drivers that they are entering a school environment where extra care is required. At the same time, they help pedestrians identify safer crossing points more intuitively.
As with every public space project, we will continue monitoring how the area functions in practice. We will evaluate the results and make adjustments where necessary based on real-life experience.
Designed together with children
What makes this project unique is that children were not simply the users of the new School Streets—they helped create them.
Earlier this year, students designed the pavement patterns, selected the street furniture, painted the colourful graphics themselves and later helped plant the new greenery.
We believe that public spaces work best when the people who use them help shape them. When children see their own ideas reflected in the city, they develop a stronger connection to their neighbourhood and a greater sense of ownership and responsibility. Participatory design doesn’t just create better public spaces—it also builds stronger communities.
Let’s celebrate together!
Join us for an afternoon of activities as we officially open Józsefváros’ newest School Streets.
Programme:
- Bicycle parade led by a fire engine
- DJ Oldschool Peppino
- Number War (the classic outdoor team game)
- Tug of War
- Pancakes by Roby
- Spray your own T-shirt with the School Street pavement patterns
- Face painting, hair braiding and many more activities
Date: Friday, 18 September, 3:00 PM
Location: II. János Pál pápa tér
Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/buwIuQWF5
Come and celebrate with us as we bring these new School Streets to life and enjoy Józsefváros’ newest community spaces together!
Questions?
Please contact us at info@rev8.hu.