Enhancing public spaces with metal planters: A guide for landscape architects

In the UK, urban green spaces—covering approximately 30% of urban areas—play a vital role in cooling cities, improving air quality, and supporting mental health​. With urban green spaces shrinking (from 63% to 55% between 2001 and 2018), strategically placed planters provide a resilient way to preserve greenery and manage urban microclimates.

Metal planters offer an excellent solution for enhancing public spaces with their durability, low maintenance requirements, and versatile aesthetic appeal. Often used in parks, housing developments, campuses, and town centres, they can serve as visually appealing accents that complement the surrounding architecture and landscape.

Benefits of using metal planters in public spaces

Planters made from metal offer numerous benefits for enhancing public spaces, making them an advantageous choice for landscape architects and urban designers. Let us discuss these key benefits in-depth:

Durability and longevity

Galvanised planters are built to withstand the challenges of outdoor environments, making them ideal for public spaces where heavy foot traffic and changing weather conditions can wear on materials. Made from steel or aluminium, these planters resist corrosion, rust, and impact, allowing them to maintain their appearance and functionality over time. This durability means that landscape architects can create spaces that look pristine year after year, even in urban settings where exposure to the elements is constant.

Low maintenance requirements

One of the biggest advantages of planters made from metal is their low-maintenance nature, which is a key factor in high-traffic public spaces. Large planters made of metal offer strong solutions for such areas, providing substantial durability and visual presence while requiring minimal maintenance to keep them looking pristine year after year.

Metals don’t require regular staining, sealing, or frequent repairs, which results in less time and cost spent on upkeep. This low-maintenance quality allows public spaces to remain visually appealing and well-kept without requiring constant attention, making them a smart, sustainable choice for spaces with limited maintenance budgets or staffing.

Aesthetic versatility

Planters offer a wide range of design possibilities, allowing landscape architects to adapt them to various architectural styles and themes. For instance, raised planter metal designs add an extra dimension, creating a layered effect that brings depth to public spaces and enables greenery to stand out in contemporary and traditional settings.

Additionally, planters can be paired with benches, providing dual functionality that enhances the layout and usability of public spaces, creating seating and greenery in one cohesive unit.

Key considerations

While aesthetics play a crucial role, selecting the right planters goes beyond visual appeal and involves considering factors that ensure they meet both functional and visual requirements for specific projects. Landscape architects should carefully evaluate the intended use, size, and location of the planters to ensure they align with the project’s goals and constraints. Factors to consider include:

Material quality and coating

The durability of planters made from metal hinges on using high-quality materials and protective coatings. Weather-resistant options like corten steel planters develop a rustic, weathered patina over time, blending seamlessly with natural landscapes while also standing up to harsh weather. When selecting planters, consider the climate and exposure to elements like humidity, salt, or pollution, and opt for metals and coatings that can withstand such conditions to maximise the planter’s lifespan.

Practical tip: In coastal areas, for instance, a more resilient coating is essential to prevent corrosion from salty air.

Size, shape, and scale

Planters should complement the scale and proportions of the surrounding architecture and landscape. Larger planters anchor open spaces, while smaller options like troughs and cachepots can line walkways or guide pathways. These diverse shapes and sizes allow landscape architects to introduce variety that suits different architectural styles and enhances spatial design.

Practical tip: Avoid planters that are too heavy to move if there’s a chance they might need to be repositioned as the landscape design evolves.

Placement and spacing

Thoughtful placement and spacing ensure planters enhance accessibility and flow. Position them strategically to guide pedestrian movement or create visual markers, avoiding overcrowding and disrupting traffic. Well-placed planters create inviting pockets for gathering or resting, improving the space’s usability.

Practical tip: Place planters near entryways or along pathways to naturally lead people through the space while also adding visual interest at key points.

Integrating planters in public spaces

Planters made from metal offer versatility in shaping different types of public spaces, seamlessly integrating functionality and aesthetics. Here are some of the most common examples:

Housing developments

Planters made of metal in housing developments can be strategically placed to serve as natural dividers, separating different zones within shared spaces such as courtyards or recreational areas. Alongside benches and play areas, plant stands add another layer of functionality and visual interest, elevating plants for additional height and depth, and creating a cohesive, vibrant environment. 

They can also be used as decorative elements that complement other amenities like playgrounds or benches. Carefully curated planters with vibrant foliage or seasonal blooms can add pops of colour and texture, creating a welcoming and visually appealing atmosphere.

Town squares and parks

In expansive town squares and public parks, strategically placed planters can serve as striking focal points, drawing the eye and creating visually appealing centrepieces. Clustered in the heart of open spaces, they offer opportunities for lush greenery or vibrant floral displays that instantly captivate visitors. They can also be arranged around seating areas, providing a natural boundary and enhancing the ambience with their textures and colours.

Planters can also be positioned in patterns or geometric arrangements, introducing visual rhythm and interest to otherwise monotonous landscapes. Lining pathways or trails can guide visitors through the space while simultaneously adding aesthetic appeal.

Wayfinding in towns

Planters can be an effective tool for wayfinding in public spaces, serving as visual markers that guide visitors through the area. By positioning a row of planters along a designated pathway, you can clearly delineate the intended route, making it easier for people to navigate the space. Similarly, clustering planters around entrances or at the boundaries of different sections within a larger area helps to visually demarcate those zones, providing a clear sense of direction and orientation.

University and hospital campuses

On university and hospital campuses, planters can play a crucial role in creating tranquil outdoor areas that foster well-being for visitors, students, and patients alike. Strategically placed around seating areas, they can provide a sense of privacy and seclusion, creating intimate spaces for relaxation, study, or quiet contemplation. The lush greenery and vibrant blooms within the planters can have a calming effect, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Additionally, planters can serve as effective wayfinding elements, guiding individuals between buildings and various campus zones. When you arrange them in strategic patterns or along designated pathways, they can subtly direct foot traffic while simultaneously enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the outdoor spaces.

Conclusion

Planters bring a range of benefits to public spaces, combining durability, low maintenance, and versatile aesthetics to create environments that are inviting and functional. Their resilience to weather and daily wear, coupled with minimal upkeep needs, make them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, while their wide design options enhance the look and feel of diverse settings. For landscape architects, these planters offer a reliable way to elevate public spaces, providing both visual appeal and practical solutions for various urban environments.

To find the right fit for your next public space project, explore the wide range of decorative metal planters available here at Made by Landmark. Check out our collection or contact us for tailored guidance on designs that bring your vision to life.