Where to place street furniture for maximum impact?

It’s normal for people to want to stay connected to others and have a sense of community. That’s why it’s crucial to place street furniture in areas where people naturally gather or pass through. Public furniture plays a vital role in enhancing urban spaces by providing comfort, aiding navigation, contributing to aesthetics, and facilitating functionality. Well-designed and strategically placed benches, lighting fixtures, signage, and other elements can create inviting environments that encourage social interaction and improve the overall experience of a city.

In this blog, we will explore the considerations and best practices for positioning street furniture in areas where people naturally congregate or move through. It’s important to understand the impact of thoughtful placement so urban planners and designers can create more vibrant, accessible, and user-friendly public spaces that cater to the needs of the community.

Factors to consider in placement

Placing public space furniture involves several considerations to ensure it serves its intended purpose effectively:

User accessibility

Accessibility is a critical factor in determining the placement of public seating areas, ensuring everyone—people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited mobility—can enjoy public spaces. According to the Disability Action Plan by GOV.UK, designing urban areas with inclusivity in mind involves addressing diverse needs and creating environments that are comfortable and navigable for all. This includes strategic placement of furniture and thoughtful design to cater to varying physical abilities.

For example, placing inclusive outdoor furniture in parks provides resting points for those who tire easily, while ensuring pathways to and from the furniture are wide, free of obstructions, and equipped with tactile paving to help individuals with visual impairments move safely. These practices align with broader inclusivity goals, such as making public spaces more accessible and supporting initiatives like designing accessible playgrounds or enhancing mobility for assistance dog users. 

Environmental context

The environmental context plays a crucial role in ensuring that street furniture seamlessly integrates into its surroundings without disrupting the natural flow and ambience of the space. Designers must carefully consider factors such as the existing landscape, natural elements, and urban noise levels. Designers can strategically position furniture in a way that enhances the overall experience while respecting the inherent character of the area.

Harmonising with the natural surroundings involves taking into account elements like vegetation, topography, and the presence of water features. Placing landscape furniture or seating areas near trees or gardens can create a serene and inviting atmosphere, encouraging people to pause and appreciate nature’s beauty. Similarly, positioning furniture in a way that frames or complements scenic vistas or architectural landmarks can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the space.

Community needs

When planning street furniture placement, it’s crucial to consider the local community’s diverse needs and preferences. Different groups may require social gathering spaces, quiet areas for relaxation, or a combination.

Communities valuing social interaction and community-building can benefit from furniture that encourages congregation and conversation. Strategically placed benches or seating areas facilitate casual meetups and foster a sense of community. Larger open spaces with picnic tables or outdoor seating serve as venues for community events, gatherings, or outdoor markets, strengthening social bonds.

For those seeking solitude and relaxation, secluded seating areas or benches tucked away from high-traffic zones provide a tranquil escape. Incorporating shaded areas or spots with natural elements like water features or greenery can create a calming atmosphere.

Traffic flow and visibility

Ensuring that street furniture is strategically placed to facilitate unobstructed pedestrian flow and high visibility is crucial for creating an inclusive and user-friendly urban environment. Careful consideration must be given to positioning furniture in a way that does not impede the natural movement of pedestrians, particularly in high-traffic areas or along busy pathways. Obstructions can lead to congestion, disrupt the flow of foot traffic, and potentially create hazardous situations for individuals with mobility challenges or visual impairments.

Furthermore, the placement of street furniture should prioritise visibility from a distance, allowing people to easily locate and access the amenities. Highly visible furniture enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the space and promotes a sense of safety and convenience for users. When benches, seating areas, or other elements are positioned in clear sight lines, people can readily identify and utilise these facilities without feeling disoriented or lost within the urban landscape.

Best locations for public furniture

Natural gathering spaces

One of the most effective locations for strategically placing street furniture is in areas where natural gathering spaces exist. These are often vibrant, high-traffic zones where people naturally congregate, such as public plazas, parks, or pedestrian-friendly streets.

Natural gathering spaces often serve as focal points within urban landscapes, attracting a diverse range of individuals seeking to connect, socialise, or simply enjoy the ambience. When these areas are enhanced with thoughtfully designed street furniture, you provide practical amenities and contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal and vibrancy of the space.

Safe and accessible locations

While prioritising accessibility and visibility, it is equally crucial to consider safety when determining the placement of street furniture. Situating benches, seating areas, or other amenities directly adjacent to busy roads or high-traffic areas can pose potential risks to users. 

To minimise such risks, a distance of about 10 metres between street furniture and roads should be observed. It also helps to align user safety since it separates pedestrians from vehicular traffic and creates a pleasant atmosphere for users of urban environments.

Strategic placement for view and engagement

Strategically positioning street furniture in areas that offer captivating vistas or focal points can significantly enhance the user experience and encourage engagement with the urban landscape. When benches, seating areas, or other amenities are oriented towards visually appealing landmarks, water features, or panoramic views, they create opportunities for people to pause, appreciate their surroundings, and connect with the unique character of the space.

For instance, parks that feature benches overlooking serene lakes, picturesque gardens, or stunning architectural landmarks tend to experience higher usage rates, as these settings provide a sense of tranquillity and invite contemplation. In the same way, creatively orienting street furniture to lead a person’s gaze to an open view, or an attractive skyline, office, or industrial architecture can turn any space into interest and almost make people appreciate the environment.

Conclusion

Thoughtful placement of public furniture is essential for creating accessible, inclusive, and visually appealing public spaces. By prioritising user accessibility, blending with the environment, addressing community needs, and ensuring safe, strategic placement, urban planners can design areas that invite connection, relaxation, and engagement. These considerations enhance functionality and improve the overall experience for everyone who uses the space.

Our street furniture list offers a wide range of options to suit various urban planning needs, from benches and seating areas to signage and lighting fixtures. Whether you’re revitalising a park, plaza, or pedestrian walkway, we can help you design and position furniture that meets your community’s unique requirements. 

Get in touch with us today for a consultation and take the first step toward transforming your public spaces into vibrant, user-friendly environments. Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to get updates about the latest trends in urban design and tips on creating inclusive outdoor spaces.