How can street furniture revitalise urban spaces?
A rapid rise in the popularity of online shopping has resulted in the decline of the high street in recent years. As boarded up shop fronts have become a familiar sight, the challenge to rejuvenate and revitalise our high streets is at the forefront of government thinking.
Street furniture from top design companies like Urbastyle can really help enhance the look and character of a high street or any urban space. Benches, bollards, planters and seats are all objects that, when positioned sensitively to their surroundings, can really say something about the space they occupy. This makes the area more enticing for shoppers and retailers thinking on moving into the area.
Practical solutions
As well as contributing to the overall charm and beauty of an area, street furniture is a practical solution to some of the problems encountered in inner city urban areas. For instance, cleanliness can be a problem in any town or city, with litter often dropped carelessly. Something as simple as well-designed and well-placed bins can scale litter problems back dramatically, helping an urban area to really look its best.
Bollards provide security and protection by separating traffic and pedestrian pathways, and come in a range of designs that can help increase the attractiveness of the area. Planters alongside kerbs and buildings can make even the most densely populated of urban jungles a more enjoyable and pleasant environment, providing a splash of colour to boost the area’s overall appeal.
Street furniture provides the public with facilities such as seats and benches, an essential provision for those who have been traipsing around shops all day. It also helps to establish the area as a social hub and is a sure-fire way to attract visitors.
Forward thinking
As with any design project it is essential that a lot of thought and planning goes into the process in order to create the right kind of vibe and aesthetic. Too much street furniture can cause a clash in styles and begin to look cluttered. It is vital that the street furniture is cohesive and laid out in a manner that complements the environment it occupies. The surrounding architecture, type of shops and street lighting should all be taken into account when using street furniture to revitalise urban spaces.
When implemented correctly, street furniture can improve the feel and atmosphere of an area and boost its aesthetic appeal. Much like street art, street furniture can help to attract subsequent developments, establish quality and raise standards.