Streets as Places

Streets need to be well designed to ensure that they function as both places and movement routes. Where streets balance these roles effectively they can enhance the quality and improve the viability of a place. As a fundamental part of the public realm streets play an important role in the success of the built environment.

To make sure street and spaces function effectively

• Ensure that the masterplan considers the context, the activities both bordering and taking place in the space, the microclimate, scale, and long term management
• Involve all bodies early on to ensure design of public realm is coordinated, without clutter and that public realm is enhanced through street trees, planting and lighting
• Provide multi-modal streets where a variety of users can share the same spaces. This does not mean building wider streets but thinking about how spaces can be shared effectively. Ensure street width and speed are appropriate to the function
• Consider how sustainable transport options can be supported and encouraged through urban design. For example ensure that public transport options are easy to locate with well connected routes and that pedestrian and cycling routes are safe, well used and easily accessible
• Consider how parking design will impact on the streetscape.