The Importance Of Street Furniture

The impact of online retailing and times of austerity have meant that UK high streets have seen dwindling numbers of shoppers; and city centres, towns and villages have had to work much harder to attract visitors. Local authorities and tourist attractions have been under increased pressure to spend wisely and well, without comprising the aesthetics of communal areas. How has this affected street furniture? It has made it more important than ever. However, it has also put the onus on careful selection of bespoke items and making functionality and durability even higher priorities. Street furniture serving practical purposes Rarely is street furniture in the public realm purely decorative. It holds a multitude of significant values. For example, in city, town and village centres, bespoke street furniture is the ideal way to give people a sense of “place”, particularly in areas where stores are national chains and there’s potential for the shopping area to look the same as any other location. Adding planters, signage and bins into your street furniture represents a substantial return on investment. It covers many of the priorities that planners have when making communal areas more appealing and visitor-friendly. Seating can also be integrated into structures that protect trees in urban landscapes for example. From something practical, comes an “experience” Seating in streetscapes - and in public parks and waterfronts for instance – can also be more than “just” a place to sit, due to individualised design. There is an intrinsic message when a local authority or urban landscape designer creates attractive rest and waiting areas. It suggests a warmth of welcome and an understanding of need. It encourages people to stay awhile, to check their phones, snack or watch the world go by. This adds to the principle that visiting high streets and other communal areas should now be an enjoyable “experience” rather than merely a task. Street furniture to support social interaction Having enough street furniture also promotes equality of opportunity, as it provides rest places for the elderly and people with mobility issues. Parents of small children can use it in public spaces and amenities, to keep a watchful eye on their youngsters, making accessibility and use more assured. Carefully placed clusters of benches and seating in public places offer opportunities to be sociable and enjoy the outdoors. This is the value that has become even more precious, as people respond to modern challenges by returning to simpler, more traditional activities. Properly commissioned and placed street furniture can draw people to the location and give them reasons to stay. Large groups of friends will use it, or it can even stimulate greater social interaction between strangers. Providing a sense of identity Modern design and engineering skills have added another dimension to street furniture. The choice of styles and aesthetics is now limitless. It can promote a sense of identity, with the location’s heritage and individual character on proud display.