The importance of urban green spaces and how street furniture is influencing such areas
As our cities grow and more people move into already populated urban spaces, the importance of green spaces and natural wildlife increases.
Urban green spaces such as domestic gardens, parks and woodlands not only provide a number of benefits to human urban populations but also help to mitigate the effects of pollution, particularly within densely populated built-up areas.
Street furniture plays a crucial role in enhancing these spaces, contributing to environmental, social, and ecological well-being among people.
For sub-contractors, understanding the role that street furniture plays in enhancing green spaces within urban developments is essential.
Why are green spaces needed in urban areas?
To understand how street furniture influences and enhances green spaces, it is important to consider why green spaces are needed within towns and cities.
Planning cities to include green spaces wherever possible is the first step in making our urban areas healthier for the population.
On a micro level, green spaces provide a healthier environment to live and work in, improving both the mental and physical health of residents. Access to green spaces has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase physical activity.
On a macro level, the improved air quality as a result of trees and plants absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants also results in a healthier environment. Green spaces also help in reducing urban heat islands and providing habitats for wildlife. They also play a significant role in managing stormwater and reducing flooding.
The urban heat island effect appears in towns and cities as a result of human activity, and refers to heat trapped in built up areas. This has negative effects such as in summer time where it leads to an increase in demand for cooling, which in turn increases our energy consumption.
With all of this in mind, it is crucial for sub-contractors, as well as other construction professionals, to protect and enhance green spaces. Part of this strategy involves the design and installation of street furniture, and how various furniture pieces influence green spaces.
How does street furniture influence green spaces?
Well designed and considered street furniture can enhance green spaces within urban environments.
It can benefit urban residents and encourage greater use, leading to a healthier and happier population. Street furniture makes green spaces more accessible and inviting. Benches, seating areas, and shelters encourage people to spend more time in these natural environments, fostering a connection with nature.
Our Winslet Timber and Cast Iron Bench is a popular option for sub-contractors looking for seating options within green spaces. The combination of timber and cast iron, as well as simple aesthetic design, blends effortlessly in parks and recreational grounds.
Street furniture can also protect natural elements within green spaces. Tree guards and bollards can protect trees, plants, and other natural elements from damage caused by pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
Aesthetically pleasing street furniture can complement the natural beauty of green spaces, creating a more inviting and enjoyable environment for people to use.
Material selection for street furniture products also enhances green spaces. This is because sustainable street furniture made from recycled materials and with a focus on energy efficiency aligns with the principles and goals of green space design.
Using sustainable, low-impact materials like recycled plastic or sustainably sourced timber reduces the environmental footprint (embodied carbon). For example, our Calero Bench is made from recycled plastic, and not only that it can be 100% recycled at the end of its useful life cycle.
Additionally, designs that blend with the natural environment and cater to diverse users are important.
Finally, street furniture specification should align with the UK government's Net Zero policy, contributing to the goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This includes integrating sustainable materials where possible, and ensuring that the furniture supports the overall green infrastructure of the space.
Street furniture for green spaces
As a sub-contractor working on urban and green space projects, it is an important requirement to consider the impact of well-designed street furniture.
Years ago, the choice of street furniture would have been an afterthought and usually decided towards the end of the specification process. Now, sub-contractors should ideally work with main contractors or architects as early in the project as possible, to select street furniture products that not only enhance a green space but align with sustainability goals.
When you buy your street furniture from Street Furniture Direct, you can be assured you are buying products that will boost your green credentials and enhance any green space.
Our range of street furniture is of exceptional quality whilst still great value for money, and importantly they will withstand the test of time.
Therefore when you purchase your street furniture from you, you can be assured your client will benefit from products that will stand the test of time, while also bringing aesthetic appeal to their site.
You can telephone us on 01625 879 442
or email us at enquiries@streetfurnituredirect.co.uk, and we will be happy to talk through the best options for you.