STREET FURNITURE
STREETS AHEAD
As we all begin to adapt to the longlasting affects the pandemic will have on our family relationships , social lives , workplaces and retail environments , all tentatively walking out of home-based exile blinking into the sun , there ’ s a new and adapting urban environment waiting for us all .
“ Adapt yourself to the needs of the people ” - Sunday Adelaja
With the UK Government pledging billions for changes in infrastructure and aiming to improve social distancing on public transport , schemes such as ‘ Cycle to Work ’ surging the numbers of sole commuters on the roads , and pedestrian traffic increasing as walking becomes the easiest method to ensure Covid safety , our streets need to adapt to deliver the ‘ new normal ’. Our heavily built-up streets often mean the available pavement space for socially distant pedestrian traffic is limited and needs adapting to use every inch to it ’ s fullest , so the way the public is interfacing with the environment is facing a radical change .
Street furniture has a privileged role to play , it shapes our society and our interaction with the world , it ’ s a presence in every town centre , every park , every beauty spot and tourist attraction , and can truly shape the character of a destination along with meeting the varying and unique practical demands of each location .
Signage , seating , litter bins , cycle parking , will need to combine to reduce their footprints , removing clutter from our streets , the capability to design this way has always existed , and now we have the support and funding to make it happen .
“ Continuity gives us roots ; change gives us branches , letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights .” — Pauline R . Kezer
Some manufacturers are already accustomed to adapting their furniture to changes in design , materials and environment , and Woodscape are excited to be working with architects across the country on adapting designs and projects to best suit their communities developing needs .
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