People have met and socialised for centuries in the streetscape or the urban landscape. These are the outdoor spaces between buildings with different kinds of furniture for people to relax, eat lunch, socialise and more. Street fixtures have a lot because they provide shelter and protection from extreme weather conditions such as scorching heat, howling wind and pouring rain. In this post, we delve into the world of road furniture and its various types and tell you how to ensure that they offer functionality while appearing cool, stylish, and appealing.
What are Street Fixtures?
Street fixtures refer to a wide range of elements and structures placed strategically in public spaces, such as streets, sidewalks, parks, etc, to serve multiple purposes. From public trash cans to digital kiosks, street fixtures are designed to enhance urban environments’ functionality, comfort, and aesthetics. They cater to the needs of pedestrians, commuters, and the general public. Thus, it plays a pivotal role in shaping the character and functionality of our urban landscapes by contributing to a city’s overall identity and culture.
Different Types of Street Fixtures
Many street fixtures are carefully designed and positioned to provide amenities, improve accessibility, enhance aesthetic appeal and facilitate social interactions in public spaces. Some of the different types are mentioned below:
Park Benches: These street fixtures offer a place where individuals can relax, socialise, contemplate and rest while enjoying outdoor spaces and urban surroundings.
Modular Toilets: For commuters, travellers and pedestrians needing public sanitation, modular toilets offer self-contained and portable toilet units designed with convenient facilities in areas lacking restroom infrastructure.
Canopy: Canopies are street fixtures that provide shelter from rain, snow, or excessive sunlight and add architectural interest to urban streetscapes.
Planters: Street planters not only enhance the aesthetics of public spaces but also promote greenery and biodiversity. They add natural beauty and build a pleasant urban environment.
Ways To Make Your Street Fixtures Look Cool and Functional
While street fixtures are meant to serve a practical purpose, they can also be made to look appealing and unique. Unconventional designs can foster community engagement and a sense of place. Below are some tips to make your street fixtures look cool, functional, and creative.
Embrace Unique Concepts
When selecting street fixtures, think beyond traditional designs. Break free from conventional thinking and embrace unconventional concepts with bold, innovative ideas that capture attention and spark conversation. Make use of unusual shapes, materials, and structures to add an element of surprise and create a memorable experience for pedestrians. Consider the community’s character and what you want to represent through the fixture.
Consider the Surrounding Environment
While being unconventional, the fixtures should blend with the surrounding environment and enhance the urban landscape. Consider the area’s architectural style, colour combination, and overall aesthetics. Ensure the furniture complements the existing elements harmoniously while standing out.
Prioritise Functionality
While adding an unconventional appeal is important, you should always prioritise functionality when selecting a street fixture. Remember the furniture’s purpose and intended use, whether it’s seating, bike racks, or outdoor shelters. Make sure that the needs of comfort, durability, and usability are thoroughly met. People of different ages and abilities should be able to use the furniture with ease.
Opt for Eco-Friendly Choices
There is an urgent need for everyone to become environmentally conscious. Therefore, opting for street fixtures made from sustainable materials is crucial. Make sure you choose materials with less environmental impact, such as recycled or recyclable materials, responsibly sourced wood, or materials with a low-carbon footprint. Using eco-friendly options that withstand weather conditions and regular use enhances longevity and reduces the need for frequent replacements.
Customised and Use Artistic Approaches
You can also collaborate with local artists and designers to bring a unique and artistic touch to your road furniture. You can develop customised designs to reflect the local culture, heritage, and artistic expression. Consider involving local artists to help you create road furniture that symbolises identity and creativity. This approach can add an element of surprise, beauty, and storytelling to the landscape, making the fixtures unconventional and special.
Infuse Diversity and Cultural Significance
Seeking inspiration from different cultures and infusing it into street fixtures can help promote diversity and cultural significance. Pick up architectural elements, motifs, and craftsmanship from various regions worldwide and incorporate them into the design to celebrate the multicultural nature of the community. Embracing cultural diversity makes the street fixture look unique while fostering a sense of belonging among residents and visitors.
Experiment with Colours and Patterns
Colours and patterns help in adding vibrancy and visual appeal to your street fixtures. Make sure you choose vibrant hues that add a pop of energy to the urban space. Learn about the psychology of colours and how they evoke certain emotions or moods. Make full use of patterns, textures, and graphic elements to create visual interest and design unconventional furniture. Remember to complement the colours and patterns so that they do not overpower the surrounding environment.
Include Interactive Elements
The best way to create unconventionalstreet furniture is to engage and entertain the community. You can incorporate interactive displays, kinetic sculptures, or musical installations encouraging participation and interaction. You can also take advantage of technology and introduce augmented reality or QR codes to provide information or stories related to the location. Doing so can create memorable experiences and bring back visitors.
Conclusion
From benches to bus shelters and bike racks, street fixtures enhance the functionality and aesthetics of public spaces. Using the tips mentioned above, you can implement style and elegance in these fixtures, promote sustainable practices and innovative designs, and transform ordinary spaces into vibrant places where communities can thrive.
