STREETSCAPE GUIDANCE

HOME
PART E
Physical design and materials
SECTION 6
Introduction
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 7
High quality footways
PART A
A vision for London’s streets
SECTION 8
Carriageways
PART B
From strategy to delivery
SECTION 9
Crossings
SECTION 10
Kerbside activity
PART C
New measures for new challenges
SECTION 11
Footway amenities
PART D
Balancing priorities
SECTION 12
Safety and functionality
SECTION 13
Street environment
PART F
Appendix
SECTION 14
Transport interchanges
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Streetscape Guidance
[Part E – Physical design and materials] Footway amenities 201
11.1 Vision
The immediate impression and character of any
modern city is often determined by the quality and
aesthetic appeal of its street furniture design. This
can help to animate the public realm and signals to
users what and where certain behaviour is desirable
and appropriate. A specific location can often be
recognised by simply referring to its street furniture
design. However, poorly placed or excessive street
furniture can create a cluttered environment
resulting in obstructions, reduced legibility and a
blighted character. Successful public spaces have
had every piece of street furniture rationalised and
creatively placed to achieve multiple aims.
There is no ‘one solution fits all’ when selecting
and applying street furniture. Material selection
and layout must be contextually appropriate.
Some settings may require street furniture that
quietly complements the character of the area,
provides structure, or adds surprise and delight.
We value exceptional detailing to ensure
that street furniture is beautiful, robust and
maintainable, complementing the surrounding
streetscape with ‘the right product in the right
place, done right’.
General principles
The term ‘street furniture’ applies to any vertical
piece of equipment placed within the highway, to
provide a practical function. Most components
are located on the footway and provide functions
relating to traffic management, safety and
amenity. Products include signposts, signals and
enforcement equipment to inform motorists,
as well as pedestrian oriented elements such as
seating, wayfinding signage and kiosks.
The palette of materials selected for the TLRN
reflects our ambition to provide a consistent
high quality streetscape. The street furniture
components shown in this section emphasise
design intent rather than prescribing specific
products. Dimensional requirements are
mandatory and have been specified based on
advice from best practice.
Figure 203: A street furniture zone of cycle parking
and trees located at the back of the footway
Design teams should check specifications with
manufacturers and select products that satisfy
the criteria. Options are given where there may
be an opportunity to reflect local character be
it stylish and contemporary or historic. Design
teams may recommend alternatives to the
standard palette that are in keeping with the
spirit of this guidance. Alternative street furniture
will require SDRG approval for any TLRN route.
Figure 204: A street furniture zone located at
the front of the footway