Creating Accessible Public Spaces and Outdoor Areas With Purpose
Designing accessible public spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional is crucial to enhancing social interaction, a sense of community and helping to improve the quality of life for multiple groups of people.
From picnic tables to bike shelters, accessible public spaces must be functional, secure and aesthetically pleasing; creating a sense of safety, society and pride, with practicality and functionality at their core.
Creating and Utilising Green Spaces
In urban and densely populated areas, green spaces are distinctly lacking, yet even small interventions can make a difference; providing places for friends, loved ones and colleagues to meet and chat. Providing a space to sit and have a bite to eat or for individuals to enjoy a moment of quiet, calm and fresh air during a busy or stressful day. Green spaces seek to boost biodiversity, improving air quality and supporting the mental & physical well-being of people within the local community.
In addition to the above, green public spaces contribute to climate resilience by absorbing rainwater and cooling the air. Through the introduction of trees, grass, and flowers and attractive planters like our Malford Planter MPL204 or Malford Planter MPL206, these products offer a simple freestanding solution to planter requirements.
Creating More Places to Sit, Eat and Socialise
At the heart of a community is a group of people who feel safe, secure and happy; who are active in coming together and working together to ensure the area in which they live and work is the very best it can be.
With this, a community is built on the ability to socialise, relax and talk and creating accessible public spaces provides comfortable outdoor spaces where communities can do just that – sit, eat, socialise and talk. It’s a space where families and friends, neighbours and colleagues can meet for lunch or a cup of coffee in a comfortable public space.
Of course, there are many ways that outdoor spaces suitable for sitting, eating and socialising can be successfully created, including:
- Introducing multiple litter bins to high-traffic areas
- Placing picnic tables in key areas that are easily accessible, offer some privacy and perhaps have an incredible view!
- Providing comfortable, sturdy benches – and plenty of them! – for people to sit and relax
Encouraging People To Be Outdoors
Attractive, convenient and accessible public spaces simply encourage people to be outdoors a lot more – to enjoy the area they live and work in. Which in itself, comes with a wealth of benefits for communities and individuals, such as:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improving mood
- Enhancing social interaction
- Improving attention spans, focus and concentration
- Increasing opportunities for social connections & interactions
Which ultimately leads to happier, healthier people.
Bike Shelters That Offer More Than Shelter
As cycling continues to rise in popularity – both for commuting and recreation and especially during the warmer months of the year – providing safe and secure places to store bikes is critical. Well-designed bike shelters, such as the Malford Cycle Shelter MCS206 or the Sheldon Cycle Shelter SCS304, protect bicycles from the elements, reducing damage and theft.
These shelters not only encourage more people to choose cycling, but also send a strong message about a community’s commitment to sustainable, individualised transport.
The Importance of Designing Outdoor Spaces with Purpose
Outdoor areas thrive when they’re designed with intention, accessibility and inclusivity. When we create public spaces that make it easy for people to socialise or cycle, regardless of age or ability, we create stronger, happier communities.
By investing in thoughtful amenities like picnic tables and bike shelters, we can transform outdoor spaces into everyday destinations. The result? Greener, safer, more welcoming environments that bring people together and encourage us all to spend a little more time in the great outdoors.
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