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Biennale: Europa dei networks

Planning

European cities are linked by a complex network of road, rail and air connections that reflect their particular historical and political evolution. The high level of connection between these cities and city regions is critical to securing Europe’s competitiveness in the global economy, building on its established but ageing transport system. The Trans European Network high-speed rail system, now being implemented across Europe, will improve rail-based connections between European cities by 2025.

The research presented at the 10th Venice Biennale explores how many people are served and what portion of the European map is accessible today and in the future by rail and air. It is based on a simple notion of how far one can get within four hours of travel time from the centre of the city of departure to point of destination. The projections take into account the total time required for a full journey, including reaching a station or an airport, check-in and standard immigration procedures and not just the travel time on a train or on a plane.

The results are striking. The 2025 high-speed rail network will double or even triple the catchment area from many cities in Europe, reaching a much larger number of people than air-based travel. Apart from serving a much higher percentage of Europe’s growing population, those benefiting from this level of rail service are less affluent than those benefiting from air travel, therefore contributing to European economic and social development. While air travel favours a ‘Europe of Cities’, enhanced rail travel by 2025 will support a more competitive and sustainable ‘Europe of Regions’.

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