Urban furniture and landscaping planters, Green landscape design, Public realm plants

Urban furniture and landscaping: creating green areas in cities through planters

4 December 2024

In an increasingly urbanized world, where concrete and asphalt seem to dominate the landscape, the importance of urban green spaces becomes more evident.

Urban furniture, and particularly the use of planters, plays a crucial role in reintroducing natural elements into our city spaces. These small green oases not only beautify the streets but also help improve air quality and offer a refuge from the daily hustle and bustle.

Companies specializing in urban furniture, such as GiochiPark, offer solutions that can transform anonymous spaces into lush and vibrant corners, creating a positive impact on the environment and the well-being of citizens.

Urban furniture and landscaping benches

The magic of planters in urban furniture

Planters are much more than simple containers for plants and flowers. They are essential tools for urban landscaping, capable of transforming anonymous spaces into lively and welcoming corners. Thanks to their versatility, planters can be adapted to a wide range of urban contexts, from sidewalks to parks, squares to inner courtyards.

Available in various sizes, shapes, and materials, planters allow for floral compositions that can change with the seasons, offering a constantly new and stimulating visual experience. Besides their aesthetic impact, planters help improve air quality, reduce noise, and provide small habitats for birds and insects, thus increasing urban biodiversity.

Planters: functionality and aesthetics

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, planters are designed to be functional and durable. Made from materials like wood, metal, or resin, they can withstand adverse weather conditions, ensuring longevity and requiring less maintenance. Some planters are equipped with integrated irrigation systems that make plant care easier and ensure a constant water supply, which is especially crucial during the hotter months.

Planters can also serve as elements for separating spaces, creating more intimate and protected areas within open urban spaces. This makes them ideal not only for embellishing, but also for better organizing public spaces, enhancing their usability and safety. Moreover, the presence of plants and flowers has a positive impact on people’s psychological well-being, reducing stress and improving mood.

Which Trees to Plant in Cities

Trees are essential in urban areas, but not all species are suitable for every urban environment. Careful study and planning are therefore necessary to select the most appropriate tree species and design cities that are healthier and have a reduced environmental impact.

A 2022 study conducted by the Universities of Milan and Florence in several “laboratory cities”, such as Rimini and Krakow, found that both conifers and broad-leaved trees have a greater ability to accumulate pollutants due to the presence of dense hairs on their leaves and branches, and waxes on the external surface of the plant.

Among the trees most recommended for reducing urban pollution are the Norway maple, birch, Turkey oak, cypress, firs, and maritime pines, as well as ancient plants such as the ginkgo biloba and hackberry.

It was also observed that some species perform better and are able to absorb a greater amount of pollutants when planted along busy streets, rather than in parks and gardens. Moreover, to create an effective barrier against fine particulate matter and to protect pedestrians and cyclists, consideration should be given to planting both tall trees and shrubs, as well as designing large areas with grass or ground-covering plants and efficient drainage systems, which help to remove pollutants and create an environment suitable for plant growth.

The study highlighted that in order to preserve biodiversity and minimise the spread of insects or pathogens, it is essential to plant a variety of tree species in urban areas. This should always be done with consideration of the purpose of the planting, the chosen location, and the climatic conditions. For this reason, it is always preferable to select varieties compatible with the local area, taking into account all environmental factors and the fact that the zones where trees grow may change over time.

Sustainability and innovation in urban planters

In the context of urban furniture, sustainability is becoming an increasingly relevant aspect. Planters contribute to this goal not only by promoting greenery but also by using eco-friendly and recyclable materials.

Innovation in planter design also allows for the integration of sustainable solutions, such as rainwater collection systems or solar panels for nighttime lighting, combining functionality with environmental responsibility.

Urban planters represent a practical solution to address the challenges of modern cities in terms of sustainability, beauty, and livability. Whether for small community spaces or large squares, planters offer the opportunity to reinvent public spaces, creating welcoming and healthy environments for citizens.

Comments on this guide to urban furniture and landscaping planters in landscape design article are welcome.

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