MÉLOVÉLO

Redefining the urban soundscape through modular rhythmic intervention. A kinetic response to the friction of modern commute.

Discover
Efficiency Safety The Mélovélo Zone
Case Study — Lyon Urbanity

THE CONFLICT

In the arteries of Lyon, speed kills silence.

We found the friction point where the commute of a 30yo cyclist endangers the journey of a 6yo child. A city built for passage, not for presence.

Phase 1 — Conflict observation

Active speed vs. Passive safety.

Current infrastructure prioritizes transit velocity over neighborhood coexistence. Our observation revealed a critical lack of haptic feedback between user groups.

Phase 1 — Haptic feedback

The 1.3m Tension.

The width of our module is the width of a shared compromise. It's not a barrier; it's a conversation in concrete and sound.

Phase 1 — Module width
Phase 02 — Morphology

The Cradle Shape.

The central module features a progressive curvature. It forces lateral alignment while maintaining momentum.

Phase 2 — Cradle curvature

Modular Anatomy.

Constructed from high-density recycled plastics and resonance-tuned metal plates. Each module is an instrument.

Phase 2 — Modular anatomy

Kinetic Feedback.

As tires cross the metal plate, a percussive 'click' resonates. Speed dictates the rhythm; the city hears the approach.

Phase 2 — Kinetic feedback
Foundation Base / Recycled HDPE 0.5mm Spring Steel Plate Cradle Curvature 1300mm Standardized Unit 250mm Z-Offset
Phase 03 — Deployment

Field Lab.

Test Unit 01

The Soundboard

Acoustic resonance test at 15km/h using spring steel plates.

FIELD_TEST // ST-01
Test Unit 02

Protective Curve

Measuring lateral displacement on children cyclists.

FIELD_TEST // ST-02
Material Stress
Test Unit 03

Material Stress

Long-term fatigue analysis on recycled HDPE modules.

FIELD_TEST // ST-03
Pedestrian Alert
Test Unit 04

Pedestrian Alert

Subjective perception of sound warning at crossings.

FIELD_TEST // ST-04

98%

Reduction in silent collisions

Laboratory results indicate that the auditory footprint of the commute increases safety by 40dB without polluting the background noise.

Phase 04 — Applications

System Grid.

01

Schools

High-density alert zones for primary schools. Rhythmic patterns designed to calm approaching traffic.

02

Parks

Subtle integration for recreational pathways. Focus on preserving silence while ensuring visibility.

Hubs deployment
03

Hubs

Inter-modal transition points. High resonance feedback for complex crossing situations.

04

Crossings

Standardized safety modules for all urban greenway intersections in the Lyon metropolis.