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 2 February 2023
From the way it’s made to its purpose and function, the latest street furniture is designed to meet human needs in a changing world. Smart, sustainable and social, it embodies the space-making design trends that are shaping the places we live, work and play in 2023. Sustainability has been the defining trend of the last […]
Date published 18 October 2022
We’ve all heard of slip, slop, slap and wrap when it comes to protecting ourselves from the sun’s damaging rays. But, for extra, built-in sun protection, quality permanent shade structures in our parks and recreation areas are a must. According to the Cancer Society of New Zealand, skin cancer is the most common cancer in […]
Date published 4 April 2022
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 14 February 2022
Over the past two years, the ‘great outdoors’ have taken on a whole new meaning – and a starring role in personal and collective resilience. Discover the top takeouts for our clients when it comes to planning (and future-proofing) outdoor spaces for schools and communities. First, the research A recent report from New Zealand’s Department […]
Date published 18 November 2021
Planter boxes offer the inclusion of greenery within the built environments that our quickly developing society demands. That’s their beauty – they allow us to reconnect with the natural world where that would usually pose quite a challenge. Looking to incorporate planters into your space, but unsure where to start? Read our guide below, which […]
Date published 18 October 2021
Formerly underrated for its effectiveness, hand sanitiser has undoubtedly become society’s saving grace in the last two years. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that hand sanitiser is one of the best tools available to avoid getting sick. It’s transitioned from the overly cautious […]
Date published 30 July 2021
Currently, New Zealand discards 1.5 million tonnes of waste each year. However, only 28% of this is recycled. This snapshot indicates New Zealand has a long way to go in waste reduction and recovery. With the number of products consumed daily, packaging is constantly straying into our environment, contaminating our beautiful landscapes and waterways, harming […]
Date published 2 June 2021
The sustainability movement is growing in momentum, driven by an increasing awareness and understanding that our quality of life now and into the future is dependent on how we care for, and manage our impact, on our environment. A serious, long-term commitment to sustainability from Governments, Councils, businesses and communities in the planning and design […]
Date published 30 March 2021
‘Tactical urbanism’ or ‘guerilla urbanism’ is one of the most exciting trends to hit our streets. Already making an impact in cities around the world, New Zealand cities are embracing the concept. But what is tactical urbanism? Tactical urbanism is the term used to describe ‘urban interventions’ that create more ‘people friendly’ streets and spaces […]
Date published 16 February 2021
At the start of 2021, Urban Effects reflects on how the challenges of 2020 have given New Zealanders a fresh perspective on the value of our parks and public spaces. The way we live, work and play has changed, driven by a deeper awareness of the importance of physical and mental health and the factors […]
Date published 29 January 2021
What Does Sustainable City Mean? Sustainable cities offer optimal quality of life to their current residents without reducing the opportunities for future residents to have fulfilling lives and flourish in their environment. These are cities that are designed with considerations for social, economic, and environmental impact, creating a resilient habitat that will continue to prosper […]
Date published 28 September 2020
We have seen them all before; old, sun-faded, and dilapidated outdoor furniture that is barely holding itself together. Cheaply made and destined for landfill, it is far too common a sight in the backyards, parks, and common areas of New Zealand and beyond. As New Zealand’s park and street furniture experts, we understand the importance […]