The city is a place where concrete and steel reign supreme, and where nature rarely has a place. However, in recent years, the use of wood in street furniture has become an increasingly important trend for cities seeking to become greener and more welcoming. Wooden street furniture not only brings a warm touch to the city, but it is also more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional materials.
Trends in urban wooden design for a welcoming city
There are many current trends in wooden urban design for a welcoming city.
First of all, we observe a tendency to use wood for benches and chairs in parks and gardens. Wooden benches and chairs are more comfortable to sit on, and bring a natural touch to the environment.
Then wood is also used for lighting poles, fences and billboards. These features are often the first things you see when entering a city, and they can give a positive or negative first impression of the city. Wood is therefore an ideal choice to give a warm and welcoming impression to visitors.
Finally, wooden street furniture can also be used for sales kiosks in markets, festivals and events. These wooden kiosks are more aesthetic than steel and concrete kiosks, and they can contribute to the attractiveness of the event.
Trends in urban wooden design for a welcoming city
The use of wood in urban design has become a growing trend for cities looking to create warm and welcoming public spaces. Here are some of the current trends in urban wood design:
1. Wooden benches and chairs : Parks and gardens are places where locals like to relax and enjoy nature. Wooden benches and chairs provide additional comfort compared to concrete or steel seats. In addition, they integrate perfectly into the natural environment, creating a calming atmosphere.
2. Wooden lighting poles : Lighting poles are often the first things you see when you enter a city. By using wood for these elements, a city can create a warm and welcoming first impression. In addition, wooden lighting poles integrate better into the natural environment, creating visual harmony.
3. Wooden fences : Wooden fences are increasingly used in public spaces such as parks and playgrounds. They offer an aesthetic alternative to metal and concrete fences, while discreetly demarcating spaces. Additionally, wood is a safer material for children, preventing injuries from hard surfaces.
4. Wooden Notice Boards : Wooden billboards are another urban design trend. They add a warm, natural aesthetic to city streets, while providing support for information and advertisements. Additionally, wood is easily customizable, making it possible to create unique and attractive signs.
The advantages of wooden street furniture for a warm and welcoming city
Wooden street furniture offers many advantages for a city that wants to adopt a more ecological approach and create warm and welcoming public spaces.
First of all, unlike traditional materials such as concrete and steel, wood is a renewable and sustainable material. Its production requires less energy and resources, making it a more environmentally friendly option. By using wood for street furniture, a city can contribute to the preservation of natural resources and the reduction of its carbon footprint.
Moreover, wood is a recyclable material. Once wooden furniture reaches the end of its life, it can be transformed into other products or used as fuel to produce energy. This helps reduce waste and extend the useful life of the material. By choosing wooden street furniture, a city can therefore contribute to a circular economy and the reduction of waste.
In terms of resistance, wooden street furniture is also advantageous. It is more resistant to bad weather, shocks and scratches than steel or concrete furniture. It therefore maintains its appearance and functionality for a longer period of time, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. In addition, wood is less cold to the touch than steel, which makes it more comfortable to use, especially for benches and chairs.
Finally, wooden urban furniture brings a warm touch to the city. Unlike concrete and steel, wood is natural and offers a more pleasant aesthetic. It creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy the public space. Parks, gardens and public squares thus become places of relaxation and meeting places where it is pleasant to stroll.
The importance of safety in wooden street furniture
In addition to aesthetic and ecological aspects, safety is a crucial element to take into account when using wooden street furniture. Indeed, it is essential to guarantee the safety of users, whether city residents or visitors.
First of all, it is important to choose appropriate wood species for street furniture. Some species are more resistant and durable than others, which helps minimize the risk of deterioration or breakage of the furniture. In addition, it is recommended to use treated wood to prevent attacks by insects or mold, which could weaken the structure of the furniture.
Afterwards, care should be taken to ensure that wooden street furniture is properly maintained. Protective materials such as varnishes or special oils can be used to preserve the durability and appearance of the wood. Regular maintenance allows any cracks or damage to be quickly detected and repaired, thus guaranteeing the safety of users.
Moreover, it is important to take into account the ergonomics of wooden furniture. Benches and chairs must be designed to provide optimal comfort to users. Ergonomic studies can be carried out to determine the most suitable dimensions and shapes, in order to prevent posture problems or discomfort.
Finally, User security can be enhanced by adding additional security features. For example, armrests or backrests can be integrated into wooden benches to provide additional support. Likewise, anti-slip coatings can be applied to seating surfaces to prevent slips and falls.
