STREET FURNITURE principles , but how can these goals be elevated to better fit with the circular economy ?
Sustainable manufacturing and raw materials should be at the forefront of decisions about street furniture and other streetscape elements . Using only timber from sustainable sources and manufacturing in a resource-efficient way , with recycling and waste reduction maximised , is a given . But we must also look towards material innovations , including composite and processed wood products like Thermowoods , which may offer more tangible carbon savings of the life cycle .
Every product specification needs to consider cradle-to-grave thinking – what impact do materials , processes and applications have on our resources and environment ? Alternative material choices for an element of street furniture could make a significant difference , such as choosing aluminium over galvanised steel .
Design which encourages more sustainable behaviour should also be key . A prime example is cycling , in which there has been a growth in the popularity since the start of the pandemic . Public spaces in towns and cities of the future , therefore , as well as any local high street , public building or large workplace , should feature appropriate cycle racks and shelters . After all , anyone making the switch to a cycle commute or weekly visit to the city centre will be encouraged to continue doing so if they can be confident there is somewhere to park their cycle safely and securely .
Designing streetscapes to include more planters and trees will also encourage biodiversity which is so crucial in urban environments , and assist with rainwater management . These small steps are not only beneficial from an environmental perspective but having more greenery can also have a positive impact on people ’ s mental wellbeing .
Security and anti-terrorism Given the continued terrorism threats we face , our public spaces must be designed to be resilient , but that needn ’ t mean deploying crude devices such as utilitarian barriers or concrete blocks which often compromise aesthetics and lessen the appeal of urban landscapes .
Engineering and design innovation allows us to integrate hostile vehicle mitigation ( HVM ) barriers into our streetscapes and plazas almost unnoticed in the form of planters , seating and other elements . Inspira Protect , for example , is an IWA rated modular retaining wall system , which is perfect for creating visually appealing raised planting schemes in any location .
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