Street Furniture, Urban Furniture, Park Furniture, Square Furniture...


There are various terms used to describe the elements that enrich and enhance the functionality of public spaces. But what exactly do they encompass, and what falls under this category? 

While it may seem obvious, we believe it’s important to start with a clear definition of public space. After all, when walking through cities or parks, you encounter different types of environments. 

This page and the ones that follow provide detailed information on the elements found in public spaces and their role in urban design. 

What Do We Mean by Public Space or the Public Domain ?


Public space—or the public domain—is the lifeblood of our communities. These are shared areas within cities, towns, and even natural landscapes that are open and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or socio-economic status. 

Public spaces play a vital role in fostering social cohesion, facilitating interaction, and improving overall well-being for both residents and visitors. They are not just places to move through; they are spaces to experience, gather, and engage. Beyond serving the community, public spaces also provide areas for activities, greenery, and even water management. As you can see, the public space has both social and ecological functions.

Some examples of public spaces include : 
- Squares and marketplaces
- Public parks and gardens
- Pedestrian-friendly areas, such as shopping streets 
   and boulevards

Green park space with street furniture, benches, and planted areas in an urban setting.
Modern concrete seating and planters as street furniture in an urban commercial area.

What Is a Semi-Public Space ?


In addition to public spaces, there are also semi-public and privately owned public spaces. The biggest difference between these types of spaces lies in the fact that public spaces are accessible to everyone and are entirely owned and managed by the government. 

A semi-public space, as the name suggests, is not fully owned by the government but is instead partially or entirely privately owned. The accessibility of these spaces can also be limited by their function, the time of day, or their location. 


Some parks, for instance, are only open during the day and have gates that restrict access after sunset. Similarly, certain landscape cemeteries operate with limited visiting hours, ensuring they remain accessible only at designated times.

Some examples of semi-public spaces are : 

- Shopping centers: Open to the public during business hours
  but owned and managed by private entities.
- Hospitals or health care facilities : Certain areas, such as
  waiting rooms and cafeterias, are accessible to the public, while
  others have restricted access.
- Educational facilities : universities and campuses
- Transportation hubs : such as train and bus stations, and mobility hubs. 
- Museums


How private spaces can also serve a purpose ?

We also briefly discuss private spaces, but from the perspective of shared spaces within apartment buildings or residential areas, where access is limited to residents or owners. 

It is not just new developments that integrate shared facilities into their design. In many cases, renovation or redevelopment projects also aim to create communal areas. By partially opening green spaces or creating designated meeting spots, these spaces encourage social interaction between residents while maximizing shared benefits within a limited area.

Although these spaces are usually smaller and shielded from public access, they still serve a similar purpose to public spaces by providing an environment where people can gather, interact, and enjoy shared amenities. 

Some examples include : 
- Residential courtyards 
- Historic sites
- Nature reserves 


Residential area with green benches and young trees as street furniture enhancing the public space.

More about Street Furniture

Picnic table and benches in a play area as street furniture promoting social interaction and recreation.

What exactly is Furniture in the Public Space ?

There are various names for the elements found in streets, parks, and squares. 

Benches, waste bins, planters, bicycle racks, bollards… these all fall under the category of street furniture, park furniture, or urban furniture.

Want to learn more about the different elements that shape public spaces? Read more here.

 

Concrete material storage used as raw material for street furniture in urban spaces.

Which Materials are used for Street Furniture ?

Wood, stone, concrete, steel, and aluminum are just a few of the materials used to manufacture public space elements.

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, but what matters most is its resistance to wear and tear and its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions..

Curious about the pros and cons of different materials? Find out more here. 

Stacked wood as a sustainable material for the production of street furniture in public spaces.

Sustainability and Maintenance of Street Furniture

Designing functional and welcoming spaces may seem straightforward, but even after street furniture is installed, regular maintenance is often necessary.

Investing in high-quality, durable materials ensures long-term usability and reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Want to know how to make public spaces more sustainable? Learn more here.