6 Ways Street Furniture Can Enhance Our Public Spaces

Street furniture can enhance the external environment, but it must also complement existing surroundings. Although designed to be unobtrusive, selecting the right street furniture can contribute to the appearance, character and perception of a location.

As more people shop online, it is important to both communities and businesses that town centres and public spaces look beyond retail to draw people in. A high street or public space which is well designed can create a great sense of community, improve the overall experience of citizens and ultimately attract more people into town centres. Street furniture can enhance the external environment, but it must also complement existing surroundings. Although designed to be unobtrusive, selecting the right street furniture can contribute to the appearance, character and perception of a location. 1. Correct use of street furniture can help the flow of traffic - Bollards can be used to reduce traffic speed and put restrictions in place, which creates a safer area for people to socialise. Strategically positioned planters may also be used as a natural traffic calming solution, to avoid vehicle access to pedestrianised areas, for example. 2. Benches and seating areas encourage socialising and create a sense of community A well designed outdoor area creates an attractive and welcoming setting for the community to gather. Benches and seats, carefully placed, surrounded by pleasant aesthetics such as planters and trees, provide an opportunity for people to sit and socialise. 3. Complementary street furniture can enhance green spaces and encourage people to engage with the environment Green spaces, enhanced by planters, trees and seating, provide an opportunity for people of all ages to rest and relax. Strategically placed maps and information boards in parks, for example, provide a reason for people to stop and engage with the environment around them. Planters and trees in town centres have many environmental, economic and social benefits. Plants help to soften the landscape around them, making a more pleasant and interesting setting. In summer, trees also help to cool streets by providing shade. 4. Street furniture helps to keep our streets clean and tidy Strategic placement of litter bins is essential so that people can dispose of their rubbish quickly and easily. Special recycling and dog bins are also important, as they allow the community to responsibly dispose of their waste and ensure that public spaces are kept clean and tidy. 5. Street furniture helps to deter anti-social behaviour Well maintained street furniture creates a sense of community, a safe public spaces where people want to meet and socialise. The strategic positioning of street furniture can discourage antisocial behaviour, while certain materials and constructions can make recovery both swift and affordable should vandals ever strike. The end result is an area that encourages community, a thriving outdoor space that encourages participation, and a more positive overall experience for everyone. 6. Installing bike racks and cycle stands encourages cycling and reduces pollution The availability of safe, secure cycle parking facilities encourages more people to cycle, which provides an opportunity for more people to visit towns and public spaces. Cycling also helps to reduce pollution levels, and is a cheaper travel option. By making just a few small design changes, local councils and town planners can make a big difference to the appearance of an outdoor space. Choosing the right street furniture including benches, litter bins, planters and bollards, can enhance public spaces, making them a focal point for our towns and cities.