Every day, we draw on the latest street furniture and urban design thinking from New Zealand and across the globe. Discover how to create unbeatable outdoor spaces that help improve daily lives in a fast-changing world.
Date published 24 April 2020
In cities around the world, public spaces emphasise our human desire for inclusion and sharing. With common assets, public spaces allow us to congregate, meet, relax, share, and play. Since the outbreak of the global pandemic COVID-19, cities, societies, and humans have changed in ways we have never experienced. With the introduction of social distancing, […]
Date published 17 February 2020
Welcome to 2020! Urban Effects had a great 2019 thanks to our involvement in street and park projects around New Zealand. In 2020, our commitment to providing refreshingly different outdoor furniture solutions is as strong as ever. So, we’ve started the year by looking at the latest trends in urban planning and design, and landscape […]
Date published 15 November 2019
When people hear the term ‘healthy city’, most imagine inclusive communities with green, lush environments and happy, healthy individuals. Indeed, these are all important parts of what makes a healthy city, but it is much more complicated than that. Healthy city planning is a complex field aimed at improving the lives of residents and the […]
Date published 16 October 2019
Making your school grounds a safe and inviting place for students to learn, play and socialise can and enhance students’ educational experience and social development. It is a simple, effective way to demonstrate you care about your students and encourage them to look after their school, themselves and each other. It can also do wonders […]
Date published 4 September 2019
Around 1 in 5 New Zealanders own a bike and, according to the Cycling Action Network, more and more of us are using peddle power to get to school and work. They estimate more than 45,000 people ride to work (about 3% of commuters), and that number is increasing in cities like Auckland, Wellington and […]
Date published 8 August 2019
Five of the 50 anti-pollution actions listed in a recent UN Environment report touch on solid waste. One of them emphasises that carefully crafted regulation and policies at the national level are pivotal to moving economies to be more sustainable. On a practical level, some clever waste management projects are proving that parks can have a […]
Date published 22 March 2019
It’s World Water Day today March 22. This year, the United Nations has chosen the theme Water for all to highlight just how important it is for people the world over to have access to clean, fresh water. In New Zealand, we’re fortunate to have an abundant supply of water. We rank in the top […]
Date published 21 February 2019
Rates of bullying in New Zealand are alarming compared to other countries – with roughly a fifth of NZ students saying they are frequently bullied. In Australia, more than one in five students reported feeling like an outsider and awkward at school, while 16 per cent said they were lonely. Across the globe, a simple […]
Date published 15 February 2019
Are you looking to promote healthy lifestyles in your community, all the while encouraging locals to get outside and connect with each other? A community garden could be the answer. Bursting with character and raw beauty, each community garden is unique, and holds a special place in the hearts of those who contribute to its […]
Date published 5 November 2018
Park, plaza or promenade … every public space varies in size, stakeholders and purpose. Flexibility is today’s necessity and modular outdoor furniture is answering the call. Our rapidly urbanising global population demands new thinking about traditional open spaces. Fortunately, a new generation of incredibly adaptable street furniture creates exciting opportunities. Italian company and Urban Effects […]
Date published 4 September 2018
Whether it’s an iPhone, YouTube or the latest Xbox game, there’s always a new and exciting screen our kids’ eyes are perpetually glued to. The years of frolicking through the backyard and riding bikes down the streets seem to be disappearing faster than the next generation can hit power on the TV remote. For this […]
Date published 8 August 2018
Great public spaces have been described as “the living room of the city” – and there’s a growing demand to furnish them more thoughtfully. In overcrowded cities, people need public spaces more than ever to connect, belong, unwind and enjoy nature. Often underestimated, the furniture we choose for those spaces has a huge impact on […]
Date published 31 July 2018
They’re often overshadowed by their larger, pedalled counterparts, however scooters are back on the scene, and they’re rearing to take over the streets of New Zealand! Every mode of transport deserves to be parked in a safe and secure spot, and with the growing popularity of scooters, it’s time to take charge and provide scooter […]