Every day, we draw on the latest street furniture and urban design thinking from New Zealand and across the globe. Discover how to create unbeatable outdoor spaces that help improve daily lives in a fast-changing world.
Date published 31 July 2024
Knowing how to create an inviting and functional outdoor public space is a significant aspect of effective urban planning. Arguably, the most impactful element in this process is creating outdoor shade spaces with permanent outdoor shelters. Outdoor shade structures serve a variety of purposes, enhancing both the utility and aesthetic appeal of parks, streets and […]
Date published 17 July 2024
When building new suburban areas or working to improve current areas, urban planning and urban design are two important concepts that come into consideration. Urban planning and urban design although interconnected, are unique terms. Understanding the difference between urban planning and urban design is crucial for councils, architects and developers who are tasked with creating […]
Date published 16 May 2024
Our quest for greener, cleaner lifestyles and desire to combat the downsides of increasing urbanisation is giving urban planners and landscape architects fresh scope to re-think city streets and spaces. And street furniture is taking centre stage. Efficient public transport. Walkable and bikeable cities and neighbourhoods. Public green spaces. These are the three core elements […]
Date published 14 May 2024
Looking for refreshingly different waste management solutions for your outdoor spaces? Modern public bins streamline waste collection, promote environmentally safe disposal of waste, and are far more aesthetically pleasing, too. In today’s community spaces – from parks and reserves to city streets and sidewalks, and retail and commercial precincts – effective waste management is a […]
Date published 4 April 2024
A myriad of factors come into play when creating ‘places for people’ and chief amongst them is commercial street and park furniture suites that ticks all of the boxes in terms of style, form and function. The most successful outdoor spaces put user-centric design front and centre, with well-designed, perfectly positioned furniture and amenities that […]
Date published 26 February 2024
Urban ‘mainstays’ like shopping, dining and recreation precincts are at a crossroads – and there’s a playful secret to giving them a new lease of life. Take the traditional shopping centre, or ‘shopping mall’ for example. To compete against an online world – and in crowded and mature markets – they need to offer a […]
Date published 1 February 2024
Three key concepts are set to shape urban design and street furniture trends in 2024 with a specific focus on the three Ps: People, the Planet and Placemaking. We are proud to be an industry leader committed to the creation of liveable and accessible public spaces and embracing the mega trend to build well-being and […]
Date published 19 September 2023
The creators of the Chatterbox Seat, Emily Turnbull and Whanganui-based company Urban Effects are on a mission to get people talking about the big things this Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 September 2023). Designed to build awareness and help remove the stigma around mental health, the first Chatterbox Seat was installed at Point Chevallier […]
Date published 8 August 2023
Outdoor classrooms are fast becoming a must for schools that want to provide children with a rich educational experience that’s filled with fun, exciting and diverse learning opportunities beyond the classroom walls. Inspired by the growing body of research that proves outdoor learning has a positive impact on children’s development and wellbeing, Urban Effects has partnered with […]
Date published 19 July 2023
Comfortable, convenient seating maximises enjoyment of our parks, recreational areas and urban environments but a common question from architects and facility managers is: aluminium or timber? Aluminium’s durability, sustainability and low maintenances make it the most commonly used material for seating in public spaces, but timber is a popular choice for its natural warmth and […]
Date published 20 June 2023
We all have our favourite places, but what makes a place somewhere we want to visit and spend time in, and return to again and again? We explore how a focus on placemaking in contemporary outdoor space design is transforming spaces from bland to brilliant, vacant to vibrant ‘places for people’. As specialists in street […]
Date published 12 June 2023
The evolution of Urban Effects’ Liffiton street furniture suite is a case study in value engineering. Take a behind the scenes look at how local design and manufacturing expertise and a focus on form, function and cost has given this New Zealand made modular seating collection the edge. Open the doors to the Urban Effects […]
Date published 31 May 2023
Benches, bins, bollards, bike racks, planters, tables, and more: the possibilities are endless with these inspiring concrete and stone materials. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the Bellitalia® products to provide ideas and inspiration for your next space. A seat in nature More than ever, it’s vital to infuse urban spaces with natural elements. […]