How sustainable design contributes to the enhancement of public spaces
Sustainable street furniture is becoming increasingly important in modern urban planning projects. In fact, the attention to the environment is growing and a careful design can make the difference in the creation of urban spaces with low environmental impact. In this article, we will explore sustainable materials, design and functionality of sustainable street furniture with some examples of projects.
Sustainable materials for street furniture
The choice of materials is fundamental when designing sustainable urban furniture, it is the essential element. In fact, the greatest part of traditional materials have a high environmental impact due to their production and their eventual disposal at the end of their use cycle. For this reason, the use of sustainable and perhaps recycled materials represents an important challenge for the protection of the environment.
Among the sustainable materials used for street furniture there are FSC certified wood, stainless steel, recycled aluminum and recycled PVC. FSC certified wood is a great choice, as it comes from sustainably managed forests, while stainless steel and recycled aluminum are strong and long-lasting materials that require little maintenance and can be easily reused at the end of their life cycle. Recycled PVC is a sustainable alternative to traditional PVC, as it is obtained from recycling old PVC products.
Examples of sustainable street furniture projects
There are numerous examples of sustainable street furniture projects around the world. One of the most interesting is the “Plaza Ecópolis” project in Madrid, Spain. This square was designed to be an example of urban sustainability thanks to the use of sustainable materials and the integration of low energy consumption lighting systems.
Another example is “The High Line” project in New York, USA. It is an urban park built on an old elevated railway line. This park was designed to be sustainable and uses recycled materials and renewable energy sources.
Enessere: The new modular base for a high design and sustainable street furniture.
Enessere presented its new customisable modular base, ideal for enriching public spaces in an innovative and elegant way.
The base – created in collaboration with Margraf S.p.a. – is easy to install and can be used as ballast for the wind turbines, but also to create new usable spaces underneath them, improving the landscape value of the entire urban area.
This product is available in different aesthetic solutions to meet customer needs and it also offers different configurations, such as the “rack and seats” with bicycle rack, which combines practicality and comfort. The elegant and functional design of the base for the ENESSERE micro wind turbine also lends a unique and original atmosphere to urban spaces.
For more information you can go to the dedicated page.
Design and functionality of sustainable street furniture
The design and functionality of sustainable street furniture are extremely important.
Sustainable street furniture must be designed to last over time, be resistant to atmospheric agents and have low maintenance.
Then, if it is also functional in terms of environmental sustainability, so much the better.
The design of sustainable street furniture must also be aesthetically pleasing and integrate perfectly with the surrounding environment. The use of organic shapes and natural colours can help create a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere.
Environmental impact of traditional street furniture and benefits of sustainability
Traditional street furniture has a strong environmental impact, due to the materials used and the maintenance required. Furthermore, the use of non-renewable energy sources, such as the electricity produced by thermal power plants, can contribute to air pollution and climate change.
Sustainable street furniture, in contrast, has numerous environmental benefits, including:
- the reduction of the environmental impact
- the preservation of natural resources
- the use of renewable energy sources
Sustainable street furniture can also have social and economic benefits: a sustainable urban space can help improve the quality of life of citizens, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle. Moreover, developing sustainable projects can create new job opportunities and stimulate the local economy.
How to contribute to urban sustainability
There are many things that every citizen can do to contribute to urban sustainability. Here are some tips:
- Use sustainable means of transport, such as cycling or public transport. In this way, you can help reduce the environmental impact of cities and improve your health.
- Collect waste properly and recycle as much as possible. In this way, you can help reduce the environmental impact of waste and promote sustainability.
- Focus on renewable energies such as micro wind power plants. Sustainability can be decisive only if everyone actively participates.
- Participate in volunteer projects for the cleaning and care of urban spaces. In this way, you can help keep the city clean and promote urban sustainability.
- Buy sustainable and low environmental impact products. In this way, you can help promote a sustainable economy and reduce the environmental impact of your purchases.
Sustainable street furniture therefore represents an important opportunity for the creation of urban spaces with low environmental impact. The choice of materials, the design and the functionality of street furniture are crucial aspects to consider when designing a new urban space. Each of us can contribute to urban sustainability with small daily actions, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle and contributing to environmental protection.
