3 Essential elements for enhancing streetscape design

Nangle has developed the below three priorities to assist in achieving the goals of City of Parramatta Council’s Better Neighbourhood Program. The program aims to enhance safety, vitality and economic prosperity through quality streetscape design for the local community. 

Streetscapes are an integral part of our daily lives, serving as gateways not only for vehicles but also for pedestrians connecting to their neighbourhood centres. One of NSW Government’s key policy priorities is well-connected communities with quality local environments. As a result, "greening our city" and "greener public spaces" have been designated as Premier's Priorities with the goal of improving the quality of life for NSW residents. The Central District Plan of the Greater Cities Commission recognises the importance of providing for and developing innovative ways to optimise our streetscapes and establish physical links that support social networks and create a sense of community in areas undergoing growth and change.

Streetscape design influences our perception of the city, but is not limited to aesthetics alone: the function of the street is also critical to their success. The level of accessibility, the ability to socialise, and the sense of safety are some of the true design challenges that must be addressed in order to achieve quality street outcomes.

Accessibility

Consider how people would manoeuvre through the streetscape. This begins with an examination of the larger context - what are the modes of arrival? Carparks, trains, and buses are all quantifiable metrics that can be studied and incorporated into our design decisions. Active transportation, such as cycling and walking, can also be overlaid to create a diagram that depicts the various entrances to a local centre.

Then we can examine the detail scale - how does someone get from point A to point B? Consider the various demographics who will use this space to ensure an equitable outcome, regardless of ability level. Reviewing the quality of the pram ramps, removing trip hazards from the path, and decluttering the pathway can all help to improve accessibility. Look for new additions which can help to improve accessibility further. Raised crossing thresholds, for example, can streamline the pedestrian experience by creating a single consistent pathway across the carriageway.

Safety

Our sense of place is heavily influenced by the sense of security that comes with it. Pedestrians aim to quickly traverse an uncomfortable space in search of refuge elsewhere.

Creating a safe local centre necessitates an examination of the impact of traffic on pedestrians. When traffic is moving quickly, a greater distance between the carriageway and the footpath is required to feel safe. Where distance cannot be achieved, a buffer such as trees, verge planting, furnishings, or even on-street parking can be used to create a perceived separation between pedestrians and vehicles.

Sight lines and lighting provide an additional sense of security. A safe environment during the day may change dramatically at night. Designing in accordance with CPTED principles, minimising tall screening objects and planting, locating sequential visible destinations, and ensuring adequate street lighting can all contribute to an increased sense of security.

Gathering & Community

Our public spaces are intended for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, or ability. The ability of a street to foster congregation and socialisation is what allows it to grow into a local centre. The defining characteristic of a local centre is the destinations which draw people to them. This includes cafes, shops, community halls, and churches that generate activity around them. Our work as streetscape designers aims to support these local businesses by providing outdoor dining, shade, and protection from the carriageway.

A narrow footpath typically encourages pedestrians to walk quickly, whereas a wider space encourages pedestrians to walk slowly. While local streets are often narrow, creating wide spaces that break out from the street's linear form creates places for pedestrians to linger. Creating these lingering spaces through existing breaks in building frontages, the opening of an alleyway, or widened street corners can often serve as a great place to create social interaction. Where these spaces do not exist, interventions into the carriageway via kerb extensions or parklets provide a space for social growth, albeit at the expense of parking.

While physical gathering spaces are important, streetscapes are often restricted by their width. Despite this, a sense of community can be fostered through smaller interventions. Seating, vegetation, and shade can be used to create recesses within the verge for people to sit, lean, or wait comfortably.