Street furniture includes lighting, seating, traffic signage, public toilets and waste receptacles. Whether on footpaths, in city centres, parks or squares, street furniture plays a pivotal role in urban development.
Purpose of street furniture
It has many uses from practical to attractive to emotional to environmental. Having benches, bins, seating, bus stops and more in targeted spots throughout urban areas, creates streetscapes with purpose and appeal. It creates places to meet, greet, travel and enjoy the space.
Impacts of street furniture
Urban spaces can be revitalised and rejuvenated with good planning, investment and commitment. Street furniture can assist with such regeneration by creating functional and attractive areas that draw people to locations previously underused.
Seats for instance will encourage people to spend time in areas which without furniture would offer no reason to stay. They provide clear destinations to meet and invite others to take advantage of the space.
Understanding who will be using the street furniture
Will it be primarily used by elderly or young people, or a combination across all ages? Will it be multipurpose meeting different requirements at different points of the day or week? Street furniture that takes into account the requirements of those using it will have greater success than furniture whose planning does not incorporate this consideration.
What material works best?
When selecting street furniture, material is key not just for how it will look but how it will behave when stressed by weather elements and human usage. Street furniture should be non-corrosive, weather resistant and cope with expansion and contraction, humidity and other varying climatic conditions. It should be strong and have vandal resistant properties. Anodised aluminium is a popular material for street furniture, as is moulded timber.
A work of art
Attractive street furniture which blends with the local landscape, showcases what an area is famous for, or displays heritage features, offers character and identity to a place that would be less striking without it. Style and visual aesthetics of street furniture play a big role in giving landscapes a sense of place and pride.
Low maintenance
All street furniture should be naturally low maintenance, hard-wearing, strong, practical, durable and not deteriorate over time in looks or function. Having low maintenance quality street furniture adds great value to a place, maintaining it as an attractive destination.
Safe and secure
For safety and security reasons, street furniture must be secured to the ground with bolts or embedded into the ground. To make areas safe and welcoming there should be ample adequate lighting and there should be provision for accessibility to ensure everyone can enjoy outdoor spaces.
Want to know more?
Call our friendly team at TRJ Engineering on 03 9703 1701. Based at Hallam, Victoria we specialise in creating unique bespoke street, park & outdoor furniture that lasts generations. We’d be happy to answer your questions and discuss your design ideas.