Street furniture is a key element in the design of our public spaces. The latter is a real challenge in the construction of modern and sustainable cities. The choice of original street furniture must take into account numerous criteria to meet the needs of users while respecting the technical and budgetary constraints of communities.
A key criterion for choosing your street furniture
The first criterion to take into account when choosing original street furniture is the use that will be made of it. Users must be able to use the furniture functionally and efficiently. For example, when it comes to public benches, it is important to take into account the needs of the elderly or people with reduced mobility. Furniture should also be suitable for the activity it will support, such as picnic tables which should be large enough to accommodate several people.
Aesthetic criteria
One of the most important criteria for aesthetic street furniture. The furniture must be in keeping with the architecture and natural elements that surround it. To be in tune with the entire neighborhood, it is important to take into account the color palette and design of the original street furniture. Aesthetics is also important to reinforce the identity of public spaces.
Sustainability criteria
Street furniture must withstand various climatic and environmental constraints. The materials used must be resistant to corrosion, UV rays and bad weather to guarantee the longevity of the equipment. Recyclable materials are preferable for a sustainable choice of street furniture.
Security criteria
Original street furniture must be safe for users and passers-by. Sharp, pointed or dangerous elements must be eliminated to avoid any risk of accident. Furniture should not be too close to vehicle or pedestrian traffic areas, to avoid dangerous movement.
The importance of ergonomics in the choice of street furniture
In addition to aesthetic, durable and safety criteria, ergonomics is a key element to take into account when choosing original street furniture. Indeed, ergonomics aims to design equipment that meets the needs and expectations of users, in terms of comfort and practicality.
Let’s take the example of public benches. It is essential to design them in such a way that they provide optimal comfort, so that people can sit and rest pleasantly. The height of the seat, the depth of the seat and the lumbar support must be studied to guarantee good back support and avoid pain. In addition, it is important to provide armrests to make it easier for elderly people or people with reduced mobility to sit and get up.
Likewise, picnic tables should be tall enough to allow users to stand comfortably, without bending over excessively. The accompanying benches must also be adapted so that people can sit at an appropriate height in relation to the table.
Ergonomics also concerns the arrangement of street furniture in public spaces. It is important to provide sufficiently wide circulation spaces between the different equipment, in order to facilitate the passage of pedestrians and people with reduced mobility. In addition, furniture should be installed so that it is easily accessible, without obstacles, to avoid any dangerous movement.
Finally, ergonomics can also be designed to promote social interaction. For example, benches arranged in a circle or semi-circle can encourage meetings and exchanges between users. Likewise, picnic tables arranged in a friendly manner can encourage people to share a meal together.
The importance of modularity in the choice of urban furniture
In addition to aesthetic, durable, safety and ergonomic criteria, modularity is an essential aspect to take into account when choosing original street furniture. Modularity allows furniture to be adapted to the different needs and events that may arise in public spaces.
Indeed, public spaces are often used to organize cultural events, markets, concerts, etc. In this context, it is important to have flexible and modular urban furniture, capable of adapting to different configurations and activities. For example, modular benches can be rearranged to form performance spaces or temporary stands.
In addition, the modularity of street furniture makes it possible to respond to the changing needs of users. For example, in a park, picnic tables can be arranged to form large tables for gatherings with family or friends. But they can also be separated to allow smaller groups to enjoy a more intimate space.
Modularity also offers the possibility of easily rearranging public spaces according to demographic developments, user needs or changes in the use of space. For example, if a neighborhood sees its population increase, it is possible to reconfigure street furniture to create more relaxation or leisure spaces.
Finally, the modularity of street furniture promotes sustainability and resource saving. Indeed, by using modular elements, it is possible to reuse and rearrange existing parts rather than completely replacing them. This helps reduce the costs and environmental impact associated with the manufacturing and transportation of new equipment.
The importance of accessibility in the choice of street furniture
In addition to aesthetic, durable, safety, ergonomic and modularity criteria, accessibility is a fundamental aspect to take into account when choosing original street furniture. Indeed, it is essential that the furniture is accessible to all users, whatever their age, physical condition or specific needs.
Accessibility concerns in particular people with reduced mobility, the elderly or people with disabilities. It is essential to guarantee their autonomy and comfort when using street furniture. For example, for public benches, it is important to provide armrests and backrests to make it easier for people with mobility difficulties to sit and get up. Additionally, benches should be spaced far enough apart to allow access to wheelchairs and other assistive devices.
Likewise, picnic tables must be designed so that people in wheelchairs can sit on them easily. It is essential to provide sufficient space under the table to allow a wheelchair to approach without obstacle. In addition, tables must be at an appropriate height to facilitate access and use by people in wheelchairs.
Accessibility also concerns visually impaired or blind people. It is important to provide tactile and visual markers on street furniture to facilitate navigation in public spaces. For example, raised markers or tactile strips can be installed on public benches to allow blind or visually impaired people to locate them and find their way easily.
Finally, accessibility also concerns families with young children. It is essential to provide furniture adapted to the needs of parents, such as changing tables or secure play areas. This equipment must be easily accessible and functional to allow parents to take care of their children while enjoying public spaces.
