Playspaces -
- Ensure that benches and seating are designed with adequate space for wheelchair users and that pathways leading to the furniture are wide and smooth.
- Provide a variety of seating options, including those with armrests for ease of sitting and standing.
- Street furniture should facilitate social interaction. Arrange seating to foster conversation, whether in small groups (e.g. paired benches or modular seating) or larger community gatherings (e.g. circular seating around a central space).
- Avoid isolating seating and encourage informal interactions by situating furniture in areas where people naturally gather, such as near playgrounds, plazas, event spaces and natural shading.
- Where needed, include sheltered or covered seating areas, such as gazebos or pergolas, to protect users from the elements. These elements make the space more comfortable and encourage longer stays, especially in areas with unpredictable weather.
