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Street furniture from Gebal Co.

Such interest is vital, he adds, in helping to give a city or development character. “Unlike the more established cities in the west like Paris, London, Madrid or Rome, cities in the Middle East are yet to fully comprehend the importance of proper public furnishings,” he says. “Some of the cities have taken strong measures in the right direction towards implementing street furnishing that resonate the area’s personality, however, there is still a long way to go before we see anything like a structured city furnishing programme like the recent one in Toronto.”

AESTHETIC APPEAL
Beyond mere functionality, street furniture is valued for its ability to add to the aesthetical appeal of a development or enhance its brand identity. While practicality is at the heart of the application of street furniture, it is its design that gives visitors an emotional connection to an area.

“Street furniture can be an intricate part of the city or nation’s identity and history,” says Jeetendra. “Much like the red telephone boxes of Britain or the streetlamps of Paris – certain elements of local streetscapes are very strongly associated with the city even on an international level.”

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There is a growing market for upmarket street furniture notes Marco Vivan, international sales manager of high-end Italian street furniture company Lab 23.

“There is a lot of interest in new furniture; in new designs. People are willing to pay more for good designs and a lasting product. There is room to do something quite special because developers want the furniture to reflect the developments,” he says. “People are becoming more conscious about how street furniture can improve a public space,” he adds.

Luxury elements are very common among street furniture designs. “Comfortable bench designs, bicycle park spaces, collapsible bollards, automatic toilet facilities and even hand sanitizer kiosks are some of the key opulent options. These are yet to enjoy strong exposure in the Middle East market, but it is just a matter of time,” says Jeetendra.

Street furniture is also used to express the identity of a development. The design of the street furniture at Dubai Properties’ The Walk, for example, has a Mediterranean feel reflecting the architectural theme of the surrounding tower blocks.

“Street furniture is something that is always optional, but it helps to give a different atmosphere to the landscape. Many municipalities and [authorities] will provide a budget for good quality, well designed street furniture to give a certain flair to the place,” notes Kornmayer.

PUBLIC PRIDE
Street furniture also has another purpose, in encouraging people to take more responsibility for public spaces. A case in point is the arrival within the past year of recycling bins within Dubai, which have encouraged more environmentally friendly habits from residents.

Says Charawani: “If you are putting benches down, putting recycling bins and litter bins down, you are creating a space that is all part of the wider education for the public about preserving their own environment; recycling and keeping things clean. It encourages responsibility within public space, and gives people a sense of pride in the areas that surround them,” he says.

As developments mature, street furniture is likely to have a growing importance in the region. Ivan Palmini, head architect of the Italian-based urban design firm All+, believes the urban expansion will drive demand for street furniture in the UAE.

“The UAE is one of the most attentive countries with regards to design and innovation, especially in architecture. The demand for street furniture will continue to increase in the region as people want to improve the areas surrounding the developments,” he says. And like many themes in its developed neighbours, this is one India could catch onto soon as well.