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.
