Several factors come into play when planning the use of public spaces in any urban setting. Street furniture, for instance, can make or break a public environment based on its aesthetics, positioning, style and design; all these elements will influence how the community will make use of the furniture placed by local councils in public areas.

There are certain guidelines that determine where, how, and why street furniture is used in urban areas. Unisite provides a few useful pointers for city councils to consider when selecting and installing street furniture to enhance public areas.

Comfort is key

When selecting street furniture, aesthetics is a good parameter, but so is comfort. The public is more likely to use the furniture if it is comfortable.

Location

Australian cities are known for their vast outdoor spaces and beautiful surroundings. Parks, children’s playgrounds and streetscapes are perfect locations for installing great street furniture.

Use materials that are weather resistant

Street furniture will be subjected to natural weather elements all year round. Choosing street furniture made from materials that can withstand the extremes of summer as well as winter will ensure use through the year. Weather-resistant materials such as aluminium and Unisite’s Timber Image help maintain the aesthetics of street furniture for the long term.

Street furniture must be accessible to everyone

The placement and use of street furniture in cities must be carefully planned. Using urban planning methodologies, city councils can properly identify key areas in the city that will be developed into city centres and parks.

The more the merrier

Local city councils should make full use of large available spaces with adequate street furniture and park facilities so more and more people benefit from time spent outdoors. If street furniture is placed properly, city councils will immediately see the benefits of maximising the use of their outdoor spaces.