Streetscape Design

PUBLIC SPACE IMPROVEMENT 4

STREETSCAPE DESIGN

Design of a public street includes all of the space within the public right-of-way. In downtown environments, this usually includes the space from the building facade on one side of a street to the building facade on the other. The design process includes balancing numerous factors including utilities, traffic, emergency access, ADA accessibility, and mobility for cyclists, pedestrians and public transit.

Streets are Social Spaces Public streets, especially in a downtown area, are among the most important social spaces in the community. These spaces are where spontaneous interactions occur between friends and acquaintances, and ‘people watching’ is a primary activity. When undertaking a streetscape project, enabling social activity should be a priority. Multimodal Mobility Balancing the various types of mobility that occur within a street environment is one of the most challenging aspects of streetscape design. Generally, it is important that vehicular mobility does not outweigh other priorities, especially pedestrian mobility.

Sidewalk areas are generally at least 12-14’ wide from the back of the curb to the front of buildings. This allows space for a 6’ wide pedestrian zone as well as a 6’ wide amenity zone. The amenity zone should be located between the roadway and the pedestrian zone. The pedestrian zone should be located directly next to building facades so that pedestrians have direct visual access to storefronts.

CASE STUDY: LOGAN STREETSCAPE

Logan recently underwent a major streetscape project for Main Street. This included pavement improvements, new light poles, banners, plantings, and a number of additional features. The streetscape creates a comfortable experience for pedestrians as well as significant visual interest and 'curb appeal'. The streetscape includes additional plantings soften edges of parking lots.

Image: Michelle Waters for BHRC

WEST MAIN STREET Hocking County, Ohio

Image: Michelle Waters for BHRC

Accommodating Cafe Seating Restaurants, coffee shops, and other food service establishments should be encouraged to have outdoor cafe seating in the streetscape because it adds activity and vitality. The seating areas should generally be located against the building in the pedestrian zone. In this case, pedestrian traffic will need to be shifted around the seating area and into the amenity zone. This is a fairly typical situation in streetscape design and can be accommodated with good coordination. It does underscore the need to have a properly proportioned total sidewalk width. If outdoor restaurant seating is a priority in a downtown area, the sidewalk width should be at least 14’ in total width or more. Amenities and the Amenity Zone The design of streetscape projects should include various amenities so that residents and visitors are encouraged to spend time in the downtown environment. Amenities include elements like benches, litter receptacles, pedestrian scale lighting, wayfinding features, shade elements, etc. The amenity zone should be located between the roadway and the pedestrian zone. This creates separation from traffic in the roadway and a strong perception of safety.

Street Trees and Plantings Street trees are important elements in a streetscape design because they create shade, help to soften the visual appearance of a street, and add seasonal interest. Trees should be planted approximately 30’-40’ apart from each other and should have significant planting soil volume in either a large below grade planter or in specialized soils that are below pavement.

A well-designed streetscape will also include other plantings such as shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and annuals. This vegetation should be located in planting beds within the streetscape design or in planter pots located throughout the corridor.