Pedestrian Malls in West Germany: Perceptions of their Role and Stages in their Development

Abstract

This article traces the evolution of pedestrian malls in West German cities to show how the concept changed from its ad hoc origins after 1945 and became the major environmental and social feature of their city centers. The analysis covers the effects of lobbying groups on the creation and characteristics of the malls and the general significance of the West German experience for cities in other countries.