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Five Trends Predicted For Urban Spaces In 2025

With the industry and technologies rapidly evolving, we look within 2025 and see some very exciting developments that will redefine the future of street furniture & urban spaces, from sustainability to smart technology and inclusivity. Here are the key trends we at Emerdyn are keeping an eye on.

Sustainability

The future of street furniture is deeply rooted in sustainability, and this is a focus we take seriously at Emerdyn. In 2025, we predict that the demand for sustainable materials and eco-conscious designs will increase. With growing environmental concerns, cities around the world are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints, and infrastructure – including street furniture – has a significant role to play in this.

At Emerdyn, we’re committed to reducing our material inputs and outputs for production, limiting our carbon footprint by supporting the local economy, creating products that reduce impact in field and at the end of their life and improving the efficiency of our operations to ensure minimal energy and water usage, plus more.

We will continue to prioritise this in our decision making, with future designs anticipated to incorporate more renewable resources and support a greater circular economy. Expect to see street furniture that not only enhances the environment but actively contributes to it—whether it’s through solar-powered features, integrated greenery, or materials that leave a minimal environmental footprint.

Smart & connected urban furniture

Smart technology is already transforming the way we live, and street furniture is no exception. At Emerdyn, we expect smart furniture to become a greater staple in cities by the end of 2025 including benches with built-in solar charging stations, free Wi-Fi hotspots, or furniture that interacts with its environment through sensors.

Smart street furniture offers much more than comfort—being a tool for creating smarter, more efficient cities. These features could help urban planners collect valuable data on everything from foot traffic to air quality, allowing them to make more informed decisions that improve public spaces. At Emerdyn, we’re already exploring ways to integrate technology into our current and new designs, helping to create furniture that serves both practical and data-driven purposes.

Inclusive design for all

Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do at Emerdyn. As cities become more diverse and the need for accessible public spaces grows, by the end of 2025 we anticipate a stronger demand for street furniture designs to accommodate people of all abilities and our growing aged population. We predict that rather than being a special category, all future designs will prioritise accessibility and comfort for everyone, from ergonomic seating to features that assist individuals with mobility challenges.

At Emerdyn, we are looking to create furniture that caters to people with different needs, including seating options for those in wheelchairs, parents with strollers, and individuals with varying levels of mobility. Our approach is about making spaces where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy these public spaces with ease and comfort.

Urban green spaces

As cities continue to grapple with environmental challenges like air pollution and urban heat islands, integrating nature into public spaces will become more important. By the end of 2025, we anticipate that street furniture will be designed to not just complement green spaces but to enhance them.

At Emerdyn, we’re already working on designs that blend seamlessly with nature. From benches with built-in planters to furniture that helps support urban ecosystems, our focus is on creating outdoor furniture that doesn’t just sit in the landscape but actively contributes to the well-being of both people and the environment.

Modular & flexible designs

Public spaces are becoming more dynamic, and street furniture will need to adapt. This year we expect modular and flexible designs to be at the forefront, allowing cities to easily adjust their public spaces to suit different activities and events. Furniture that can be easily reconfigured—whether it’s benches that turn into tables or seating that can be arranged into various configurations—will be a game-changer for urban spaces.

At Emerdyn, we’re planning to design furniture that adapts to the ever-changing needs of modern cities. Modular pieces will make it easier for urban spaces to be reimagined, whether it’s for a temporary art installation, a community event, or simply to provide a better flow of people. Flexibility in design is key to creating adaptable, multifunctional spaces.

Looking ahead, the future of street furniture is exciting and full of potential. At Emerdyn, we’re committed to leading the way in sustainable, innovative and inclusive designs that meet the needs of tomorrow’s cities. This year we’re focused on creating street furniture that not only enhances the public realm but actively contributes to more connected, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments for generations to come.

Micaceous Iron Oxide Finish on Street Furniture

The Sydney Harbour Bridge has withstood Australia’s climate and harsh elements for over 90 years, in part due to the use of a special protective paint called Micaceous Iron Oxide.

Micaceous iron oxide (MIO) has a special flat, layered structure referred to as lamellar. Lamellar structures have fine layers alternating between different materials. A good example of this is lamellar armour: a type of body armour made of many small plates laced together in rows. Its flexibility and strength made it a military favourite throughout history across Eastern Europe as well as Central Asia, Eastern Asia (think Qin dynasty Terracotta Soldiers) and Western Asia.

Micaceous coatings contain mica, a silicate mineral which is mined from various parts of the world. When exposed to light, mica has a sparkly shimmer due to its crystal structure, which is evident in metamorphic rock and igneous rock. Many granites, for example, are glittery due to their mica content. Mica is also the reason the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with its full MIO frame coverage, appears dazzling when bathed in sunlight.

The other main contents of MIO are iron oxides (the chemical compound of iron and oxygen). The black magnetic solid is inexpensive and nontoxic. Strong colour propels its use as a colourant in many industries from glass, paper, plastic, rubber to food packaging. In steel-based structures the combination of mica and iron oxides is not only used for its aesthetics but also as a protective barrier against moisture, corrosion and high temperatures of up to 1000 degrees.

Emerdyn examples with MIO micaceous iron oxide Finish — **Emerdyn EM093 Boulevarde Seat examples with MIO micaceous iron oxide Finish**

Where typical paint coatings have a spherical surface structure, MIO’s flat surface structure provide greater barrier protection. This has inspired its use on many famous landmarks apart from Sydney Harbour Bridge, such as Tower Bridge (London) and the Eiffel Tower (Paris). Closer to home the Westgate Bridge (Melbourne) and Hawkesbury River Bridge also wear MIO.

Dulux is Australia’s most well-known supplier of MIO, and offer a range of coating types including

Polyurethane – Weathermax® HBR MIO (available in Natural Grey and Mid Grey);
Epoxy – Duremax® GPE MIO (available in Mid Grey), Durebild® STE MIO and Ferreko® No. 3 (both available in Natural Grey and Mid Grey);
Alkyd Enamel – Ferrodor® 810 (single pack available in Natural Grey and St Enoch Grey) and Metalshield® MIO (single pack available in Natural Grey);
Chlorinated Rubber – Ferreko® No. 6 (available in Natural Grey and Mid Grey); and
Water-Borne Acrylic – Ferreko® No. 5 (single pack available in Mid Grey and Structural Green).

Emerdyn offer both Ferreko® no.3 and Weathermax® HBR MIO protective coatings as a finish option for outdoor furniture products, which is often selected for the EM093 Boulevarde Seat heavy cast frames, EM206 Oxford Bin Enclosure galvanised steel bodies and custom projects such as fencing for City of Sydney. Whilst Weathermax® HBR MIO’s highly durable semi-gloss finish is an excellent choice for UV stability, resistance to chalking and high abrasion resistance, we find Ferreko® no.3’s flat, low sheen finish better showcases the MIO “sunlight shimmer”.

Some of the reasons our clients select micaceous iron oxide finished on our products include:

Appearance – whilst a wide range of powder coat and paint colours are available, for the reasons mentioned above nothing looks quite like MIO;
Durability – designed to last a long time and tolerate all types of weather;
Protective barrier properties – creates a protective barrier against the moisture ingress, which prevents metal products from rusting;
Abrasion resistant properties – resistant to scratching, scuff marks and protects the underlying surface from damage; and
Temperature – protects against UV damage and can tolerate high temperatures

In conclusion, micaceous iron oxide is an excellent choice for steel-based structures as it provides an almost impenetrable, protective barrier whilst offering a unique look and feel to finished products.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamella_(materials) accessed on 27 July 2022.

https://www.duluxprotectivecoatings.com.au/colours/mio/ accessed on 27 July 2022.

https://www.duluxprotectivecoatings.com.au/media/1464/521_mio_coatings-what_are_they.pdf accessed on 27 July 2022.

https://www.duluxprotectivecoatings.com.au/media/1462/522_mio_coatings-what_types_are_there.pdf accessed on 27 July 2022.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mica accessed on 26 July 2022.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_oxide accessed on 28 July 2022.

Buxbaum, Gunter; Printzen, Helmut; Mansmann, Manfred; Räde, Dieter; Trenczek, Gerhard; Wilhelm, Volker; Schwarz, Stefanie; Wienand, Henning; Adel (2009). “Pigments, Inorganic, 3. Colored Pigments”. Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.n20_n02

Not Just Child’s Play: Why Playgrounds are Important to Children’s Development

Far from being a trivial part of urban developments, playgrounds and green spaces are much more than just “child’s play”. Providing built environments which cater to the rising generations must be an integral part of public policies, programmes and decisions. A recent UNICEF report makes the case for prioritisation of playgrounds and recreational areas which allow for outdoor activities and socialisation, saying “Green space can provide significant benefits for children’s physical, mental and social health across the developing world, including during and after humanitarian crises,” (UNICEF, 2021).

In practice, a child-friendly city includes the needs, priorities and voices of children in urban design and public furniture choices in each neighbourhood. In an ideal world, every child, regardless of where they live, would be in safe walking distance from a public green space. The space would be open, safe and inviting for children of all abilities. To achieve this ideal, the challenges to children’s access to green spaces, as well as the challenges of the space itself, need to be considered when advocating for, planning and designing spaces. UNICEF’s Children Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) calls for urban planning to not overlook the needs of children and youth.

In a discussion paper on the topic, UNICEF highlights that approximately 1.5 billion children live in cities. For example in cities like Lagos, Nigeria, the most populous city in Africa, an estimated 70% of the city’s children live in slums – and sadly many will never experience the joy of playing in well-landscaped playgrounds. In sharp contrast most cities in Australia mandate green spaces as a proportion of new developments. Local councils and community organisations can ensure access by including well thought out public furniture as part of playground areas, allowing people to gather, meet new people and build community in increasingly fragmented neighbourhoods.

The inclusion, access and integration of playgrounds, parks and green spaces allows a child the right to meet friends and have places to play and enjoy themselves. Simply seeing green space through a window is beneficial to children’s development whereas significant benefits can be unlocked when children spend time within a safe green space, playing, creating, relaxing and reflecting (UNICEF, 2021).

As well as being places for social development and physical exercise, well-planned playgrounds can introduce children to good design from an early age, becoming a conduit for creativity whilst giving visual expression to a neighbourhood’s personality.

In light of the current world context, communities and local authorities can take immediate action by updating existing playground structures or incorporating appropriate outdoor furniture in places where children naturally congregate. For new or developing green spaces, reaching out to urban designers and outfitters will ensure an environment that is both engaging and safe for children as well as being sustainable for urban development.

References: Suchitra Sugar, 2021, UNICEF, Discussion paper: The Necessity of Urban Green Space for Children’s Optimal Development.

Available from:

https://www.unicef.org/media/102391/file/Necessity%20of%20Urban%20Green%20Space%20for%20Children’s%20Optimal%20Development.pdf [Accessed 20 July 2021]

Design Principles for a Post-Covid World

Among the more unexpected impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic is the rethinking of how populations interact with their built environment, and whether large cities are the way of the future when it comes to urban development.

According to a recent report by UN Habitat, the effects of Covid-19 have highlighted “the unprecedented demographic, environmental, economic, social and spatial challenges that cities face”. UN Habitat, the United Nation’s habitat and human settlement branch, is focused on promoting socially and environmentally sustainable human development. Their report refers to The New Urban Agenda signed in 2016 which sets global standards in sustainable urban development, rethinking the way the world will build, manage, and live in cities.

The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted several gaps in public space design which need to be addressed in the short, medium and long term. These include accessibility, flexibility in design of both spaces and the street furniture therein, connectivity and equitable distribution. As a result, implementing the New Urban Agenda is one of UN Habitat’s highest priorities. It includes policy to mobilise and empower all urban players around practical problem-solving and collective effort towards the common objectives of recovering from the pandemic and building sustainable cities, resilient to future devastations.

Even in times of unprecedented restrictions on mobility, people still need to venture outside to exercise, play, work, commute, gather essentials, socialise and maintain a balanced mental state. Reflecting on the physical and social distancing restrictions implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, there is a dramatic perspective and relationship change happening within the public realm. While currently 55% of the world’s population live in urbanised areas, a number which is predicted to grow to 68% by 2050, the pandemic has disrupted social and economic development in a way which has not been seen in the past three decades, according to António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The UN Habitat’s tool, “Guidance on COVID-19 and Public Space”, was created to prepare authorities on what to expect as cities start to open up from lock-down. Key areas of focus for an effective urban response for COVID-19 include:

Short-term:

Public spaces are an important asset in a time of crisis and can be used as spaces to spread information about public health guidelines
Communities require a well-connected and integrated system of public spaces including streets and walkways
Expand the amount of land allocated to public space including streets.
Embrace flexibility of functions

Medium and long-term interventions:

Equitably distribute public spaces across all scales
Plan for the self-sufficient neighbourhood or “15-minute compact city neighbourhood”
The design, materials used and management and maintenance of public space is key in fighting the spread of Covid-19 and future viruses
Build “social resilience” through outdoor community spaces for connection

There is a profound shift in thinking and focus towards urbanisation, the role and value of the public space domain which has taken place especially with the expectation that 6 out of every 10 people in the world will reside in urban areas by 2030. Cities and urbanised areas include spaces of social, cultural and economic significance. The value they provide includes both built and natural factors and the integration of these factors is important in sustainable urban development. This offers unique challenges for the astute precinct designer, whilst giving creative opportunities for the design and manufacturing of evolving public space furniture.

Read the full UN-Habitat Guidance on COVID-19 and Public Space here: https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2020/06/un-habitat_guidance_on_covid-19_and_public_space.pdf

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), 2020, COVID-19 Response Report of Activities, available from: https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2020/10/covid-19_response_report_web26.10.20.pdf [Accessed 20 July 2021]

Fresh Air Team Meetings

One of the big questions occupying the minds of corporate leaders coming through the Covid-19 pandemic is “will employees want to return to the office after working from home?”. Setting the standard for the future of work, tech giant Google announced in December 2020 plans to bring employees back into the office in a hybrid capacity, working three days in the office and two days remotely. The Silicon Valley company famously known for its open plan, collaborative and interactive work spaces has designed different types of spaces including outdoor spaces to ensure a safe environment for when employees come back to the office.

As companies around Australia look to follow Google’s hybrid approach, Emerdyn has considered a reality where team meetings could mean a board “room” in the office gardens or a nearby public park. Accommodating the new office work environment and transforming outdoor spaces into functional open-air team meeting places or work stations requires durable, purpose-built outdoor furniture which takes into account the following considerations:

Shelter from the elements

While working outside sounds like a great idea, protection from the elements is central to creating a functional space. Outdoor workspaces require covering from sun, rain and wind. Emerdyn’s range of shelters can be custom designed to protect employees from the sun’s harsh rays and also the glare on screens or reflection from paper. For options see http://www.emerdyn.com.au/products-list/shelters

Seating

Although this may seem like an obvious inclusion in the meeting environment, consideration to layout and use is what will set your teams up for a win. In an outdoor space, a mixture of fixed and movable seating is advised in order to accommodate various configurations for different team needs. For this reason, fixed settings offering wheelchair access (tables with open ends and inset legs, or a shorter bench on one or more sides) make a great space for small group meetings or outdoor “hot desking”, allowing both wheelchairs and standard movable chairs to join. Contoured bench seating can also be installed to allow for group discussions in the round. See Emerdyn’s product range for inspiration: http://www.emerdyn.com.au/products-list/park-seating-amp-tables and our Garden Range for movable furniture https://www.emerdyn.com.au/product-detail/garden-chair-garden-seat

Desks and support surfaces

Working outside in ordinary public spaces may prove challenging to write or type effectively, so it is worth considering the ergonomics of outdoor working spaces, table height and materials. A variety of options can be experimented with in outdoor spaces, such as standing tables, and materials such as hardwood timber are recommended to allow for greater comfort when sitting for long periods.

In designing outdoor meeting spaces, thoughtful consideration must be given to functionality, comfort and aesthetics. The use of flexible configurations which include fixed and movable seating solutions, tables and shelters can create spaces for connecting ideas and productive collaboration. Public space should be designed to allow for physical distancing and companies need to ensure that these spaces can be cleaned frequently and thoroughly, particularly high traffic surfaces in the outdoor space.

For a full consultation to practically design an outdoor meeting space, please contact our team via 02 9534 1314 or sales@emerdyn.com.au

References:

https://www-cnbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2020/12/02/google-allowing-employees-to-hold-some-meetings-outdoors-on-campus.html

https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/why-every-business-should-copy-googles-3-day-a-week-plan-for-returning-to-work.html

Street Furniture and Urban Regeneration

Urban Regeneration: An Introduction

Practical application of urban regeneration strategies is the key to reinvigorating modern cityscapes, transforming the lives of residents, attracting tourists and stimulating economic growth.

The benefits of urban regeneration strategies are manifold, simultaneously addressing issues such as social equity and health, reducing carbon emission, and enhancing infrastructure, liveability and housing.

What is Urban Regeneration?

Urban regeneration is an umbrella term which covers everything from infrastructure and transport investment, to social and cultural regeneration including museums and parks. Urban regeneration projects also focus on the central role of the natural environment in urban design, reserving and maintaining green spaces in development plans and redeveloping brownfield sites. It also deals with the progression of eco-friendly projects that promote walking, cycling, and public transport, managing waste around the city and implementing recycling strategies.

Why Urban Regeneration?

Often cities have unused and underutilized spaces which serve little purpose, often bringing down the standard of living in the area. Through urban regeneration, these spaces are transformed into liveable and beneficial areas with a joint effort from the government and private entities.

Execution of urban renewal projects requires close monitoring, continual feedback to authorities, and a shared set of goals and aims. These efforts should be focused on better use of existing resources in practical ways which benefit local communities.

What Can We Achieve with Urban Regeneration?

All urban regeneration projects serve to achieve a few standard sets of goals, including:

Cutting down barriers to community growth
Tackling low employment
Making spaces more attractive to residents and investors
Opening up new avenues for opportunity and progress
Raising the standard of living
Increasing satisfaction among local residents

What is Role of Street Furniture in Urban Regeneration?

Street furniture plays a vital role in urban regeneration, improving the ambiance of public spaces, making areas more accessible to the elderly and children, and providing space for community engagement.

Street furniture serves more than a decorative purpose; it provides a sense of place. Carefully placed bins and benches reflect deep planning and care for the public on the city planner’s part, demonstrating thoughtful, human-centric design.

Moreover, street furniture heavily influences human behaviour. With anti-littering projects, it promotes recycling and cleanliness among residents. It provides people spaces to interact with each other and form bonds.

Skateboarder-friendly and bicycle racks serve to encourage and improve quality of life. Additionally, some street objects, especially those made of cast iron, help preserve history and cultural heritage.⁽¹⁾

A study that drew comparison between streets adorned with and a street without street furniture showed that pedestrians reported a higher satisfaction rate using the street where they did not have to compete with cars and bikes.⁽²⁾

The Barangaroo Project

Emerdyn has had the honour of contributing to one of the world’s leading urban renewal plans, the Barangaroo Project. Managed by Lend Lease, 22 hectares of land are being redeveloped with a $6 billion budget, projected to be completed in 2024 with a new metro station, apartment complexes, and a 275-meter building, crowned Sydney’s tallest building.

It has the potential to provide around 24,000 people with work,⁽³⁾ but it is the thoughtful and intentional environmental planning which sets the Barangaroo Project apart:

97% of the construction waste is being recycled.
Barangaroo is also helping preserve the environment by planting 100% native plants.
It is a “water-wise precinct” capable of exporting more recycled water than the drinking water it consumes.
50% of the area is designated public space.
It has zero waste emission making the world’s first carbon-neutral city.
It aims to direct 80% of waste away from landfills.
It promotes city well-being by employing 24,000 people.⁽⁴⁾

The installation of street furniture elements to create functional public spaces which carry the modern industrial aesthetic throughout the precinct is another key part of the project plans. Emerdyn provided stainless steel life buoy posts and stainless steel boat dock ladders to adorn the Barangaroo harbourside.

Additionally, Emerdyn crafted cast bronze conduit covers, cast bronze drain grates, cast ductile iron drain grates, and cast ductile iron tree grates that serve to create an instantly recognisable identity across the district.

The Bays Precinct

A proposed urban renewal plan for Sydney, Australia, known as The Bays Precinct, is set to revolutionize transport. While master plans are still being discussed, the project aims to redevelop 95 hectares of land which will house the new Sydney Fish Market – an effective way of creating jobs for people in the area and capitalizing on the surrounding waterfront. Additionally, a metro line is to be constructed in Glebe Islands Bridge, contributing to ease of movement for those who work or live in the area.⁽⁵⁾

Conclusion

Including sustainable strategies in plans, cutting pollution by taking eco-friendly steps such as cultivating green spaces and cutting down crime rates by providing work to the underprivileged are central to the success of urban regeneration plans. If you would like to continue the conversation, feel free to reach out for more information.

Summing it up, urban regeneration strategies are the only way of moving forward. If we are planning projects for cities, we must focus on long-term goals instead of short ones. It means

References

Street Furniture: The Evolution

The transformative power of landscaping and public amenity design is one of the cornerstones of urban renewal, impacting the way humans interact with each other and their environment. Street furniture is one of the key ways in which public spaces become functional, facilitating community and connection.

While many contemporary forms of street furniture have evolved in response to modern life, people have used them for hundreds of years. As a matter of fact, one can easily track the history and culture of a particular geographical location by looking at the different items placed outside.

The history of Street Furniture can be traced to the ancient Romans, who used wooden milestone markers or stone, tethering posts and horse troughs purely for functional purposes and not for aesthetics. There is an intrinsic relationship between public furniture and human movement, with many elements designed to enable modes of transport, which is the first of the three main purposes of street furniture.

Street furniture covers everything from bollards, shelters and bike racks to utilities such as bins, tables and seating and drinking fountains. The types of street furniture in an area gives a fascinating insight into the culture and lifestyle of people using the space, as well as the functions which councils and local authorities deem most important to make urban life more convenient for city dwellers or visitors.

18^th Century Street Furniture: Bollards, Bus Shelters and Mailboxes:

The evolution of the wooden bollard dates back to the Maritime Bollard during the Victorian era in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Within the London Boroughs of Camden and Portsmouth, cannons from decommissioned war ships were turned upside-down and sunk into the ground with their cannonballs fixed into them. If you have ever been caught as a pedestrian between vehicles and buildings then you will appreciate the role of bollards, which were critical in preventing horse-drawn vehicles from knocking over people or damaging buildings. It is for this very reason that recent roadside bollards have been reinforced to withstand greater impact, in a bid to increase public safety.

Around the time regular bus services were launched in the early 1830s, bus shelters were introduced in the public road transport, saving travellers from the scorching sun and heavy downpours. The rise of railway lines in the 1840s led to the increasing popularity of another street furniture, bench seating to accommodate large groups of weary travellers waiting for transport. The simple design of Emerdyn’s Victorian Seat harks back to those installed at the Great Western Railway stops.

Fast forward to 1852, four red mail boxes (pillar boxes) would take centre stage in the Channel Islands, gradually becoming British icons. Five years later, roadside wall boxes would be popularized as the more economical alternative in rural districts.

The next innovation in street furniture was public water fountains in 1859, thanks to the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Association. But the Association was not only concerned with human welfare – in 1867 it also took care of horses and other animals moved in and out of major towns and cities by providing proper sanitation. In a bid to offer an even better deal, the establishment of water troughs was fast tracked in the large towns and cities.

Although litter bins were introduced towards the end of 1800s, they were not popularly used until the rise of pedestrianized town squares and, eventually, fast food restaurants made them a necessary amenity.

EM093 Boulevarde Seats in triple option - Hyde Park Pool of reflections — EM093 Boulevarde Seats in triple option – Hyde Park Pool of reflections

The evolution of street furniture has been a response to the needs of city residents, culture, and advances in technology. As times progressed, old Victorian lights were replaced by electric street lights, with LED signage for everything from advertising to daily weather and important news information at bus stops. Urban transformation and cultural advancements have seen the repurposing of street furniture elements, one example being water troughs for horses which have been turned into flower planters. The modernization of street furniture can be seen everywhere from old fashioned metal signs which have been replaced by reflective street signs, tiny post boxes and trash bins have been enlarged to meet the needs of high-density urban areas.

In an era of selfies, the aesthetic value and style we all appreciate from well-designed street furniture is at a premium. Ultimately, residents take pride in the comfort, attraction and enjoyment derived from beautifully designed street furniture. To meet the needs of modern communities, companies like Emerdyn will continue to adapt street furniture to make them weather-proof, stylish, safe and robust.

Yarning Circles: The Indigenous Foundations of Modern Community

EM038 - 10.4LM, Powdercoated Frame Custom Black Matt on grass

Australian Indigenous patterns of gathering contain important keys for building cohesive modern communities, creating spaces for building connection and understanding. Particularly in an educational context, the tradition of gathering in a “Yarning Circle” creates a space for stories, history, wisdom and experiences to be shared. As a nod towards NAIDOC week and Indigenous Literacy Day, the Emerdyn team has assembled this informational resource for schools, community organisations, landscapers and designers wanting to integrate spaces inspired by yarning circles into their rhythm of community gatherings. The use of outdoor learning spaces will be central, as educational institutions look to create a “new normal”, post-Covid.[1] Integrating public gathering areas such as contoured seating areas has been a successful strategy which many schools have applied to facilitate students gathering in group learning formats.

What is a Traditional Yarning Circle?

Yarning circles are community gatherings among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, who meet to share their experiences, knowledge and stories.[2] Cognizant of the fact that people hold different worldviews, these public meeting places or yarning circles are peaceful,[3] giving utmost respect to the voice or opinion of every member in the circle. Members speak in turn, in a clockwise direction, listening to one speaker at a time.

Significance of Yarning Circles in Indigenous Communities

As a central point of connection in which community members speak and listen to each other from the heart, yarning circles cultivate deep and sincere communication,[4] and active listening.[5] They are critically important in the building of respectful relationships, where participants interact in an honest, trustworthy and responsible manner.[6] Participants are encouraged to keep eye contact during these community meetings.[7]

Yarning circles provide a safe environment for people to listen and respond to each other, fostering accountability. The families, clans and tribal groups engage in a harmonious and cohesive manner, collaborating towards maintenance and sustenance of knowledge through generations[8] as well as mentoring younger generations.[9]

Traditionally, farmers would gather in circles while standing to discuss elements like wool prices or the weather,[10] whilst others had an opportunity to share success stories, creating space to support and encourage each other.[11]

The yarning circle also allowed generational knowledge on biodiversity and land-management practices to be passed down – something which contemporary Australian society now benefits from as some of these practices are applied today.[12]

Lessons from History of Yarning Circles: Aboriginal & Torres Straight Island Cultures

Student-to-student and school-to-community interactions can be enhanced through yarning circles. A foundational principle of the circles is that all are considered equals – hierarchies are not recognized. Rather than focus on criticism or problem solving, yarning circles focus on strengths, paying more attention to the knowledge and abilities of participants. This encourages collaborative relationships and creates positive expectations of members within the circle.[13] As differences in opinion are accepted, common ground is formed through dialogues, narratives and interactions.

Beliefs and identities can be shaped by family and community stories, where members are empowered to courageously honor their own personal experiences and those of others.[14] In this context, young people can actually be educated about their own cultures, while addressing indigenous issues as well.[15] Through intentional planning, community spaces become a reflection of culture and heritage, contextualizing to outsiders how locals live their lives in their respective places.[16] The community space thus provides a sense of belonging and collective responsibility. Bound together by cords of their shared encounters, community members are able to work through tensions, problems or common issues.[17] The primary method of learning used by members of the circle is observation – rarely are questions asked.[18] The aim of the yarning circle is to have people from various groups in the community meet together and participate in substantive democratic discourse,[19] an important factor for schools and all community groups to integrate into their built environment.

EM038 Contour Bench — EM038 contour bench by Emerdyn, artwork by Quakers Hill Public School.

References

[1] https://qed.qld.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/classroom-of-the-past-and-future

[2] https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/4585-yarning-circles-bring-indigenous-culture-to-adf-recruit-training-2

[3] Ibid.

[4] https://www.schoolsreconciliationchallenge.org.au/activities/yarning-circle/

[5] Ungunmerr-Baumann, M.R. (2002). Dadirri: Inner deep listening and quiet still awareness. Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia: Emmaus

[6] https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/about/k-12-policies/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-perspectives/resources/yarning-circles

[7] https://others.org.au/features/the-yarning-circle/

[8] https://www.hcq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Day2Yarning-Circle.pdf

[9] https://hatch.macleay.net/aborigina-yarning-circles-being-adopted-in-nsw-schools-naidoc-week/

[10] https://slll.cass.anu.edu.au/centres/andc/yarning-circle

[11] Thursday Island Torres News, 21 March 2012

[12] https://ensia.com/features/indigenous-knowledge-biodiversity/

[13] Calma, T. (2017). ‘Be inspired’: Indigenous Education Reform. Australian Human Rights Commission.

Retrieved from http://www.humanrights.gov.au/news/speeches/be-inspired-indigenouseducation-reform

[14] Sheehan, N. (2012). Stolen generations education: Aboriginal cultural strengths and social and emotional well-being, Brisbane: Link-Up QLD.

[15] https://www.un.org/press/en/2003/hr4674.doc.htm

[16] https://www.cct.org/2016/08/revitalizing-public-spaces-for-conversation-creativity-and-play/

[17] https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-019-4490-6

[18] https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/about/k-12-policies/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander- perspectives/resources/yarning-circles

[19] https://methods.sagepub.com/reference/encyclopedia-of-action-research/n58.xml

Outdoor Furniture Design in Education

Studies on the impact of environmental and spatial design in educational settings have proven what we all intuitively knew – physical environment impacts both social behaviour and learning outcomes.

Theories of environmental psychology have long held that elements of the physical environment have an impact on social attitudes and behaviour inside the classroom and beyond. Despite contemporary research supporting these theories, the design of outdoor playgrounds, lunch areas and non-classroom spaces has been something of an afterthought in schools, seen as having less of an impact than classrooms on the primary goals of educational institutions. However, contemporary approaches to integrative learning practices have started to take effect, leading to a higher level of intentionality when it comes to designing outdoor spaces that facilitate active learning and foster social connection and inclusivity.

Particularly in urban schools, where space is at a premium, much thought must be given to the best use and design of outdoor spaces. Each of the three learning modes (passive, active, and interactive learning) have specific spatial requirements, and particularly with the migration to greater levels of “outdoor classroom” usage, schools across Australia are finding it increasingly important to take a thoughtful approach to landscape and outdoor furniture design. Intentional planning of the outdoor environment of an educational institution fosters positive social behaviour and can facilitate a sense of community and belonging.

A study conducted in Malaysia found that the primary quality that students sought in a space to spend lunch or recess was “peacefulness”. Elements such as shelter, privacy, green space, and comfortable seating where students could gather with their friends were all highly valued. Most students spent their break times interacting with peers – and in fact, many rated “people watching” as one of their preferred activities during break time, which speaks to the high degree of curiosity which students tend to display about their peers and those around them at various developmental stages. Providing students with safe, peaceful seating areas with adequate garbage disposal receptacles and access to shade is therefore a key part of schools’ support of students’ social development.

One of the major issues of concern to teachers and learning facilitators is indiscipline and behavioural management. Disruptive behaviour has the compounded effect of negatively impacting a student’s own learning outcomes, while simultaneously distracting those around them. A key approach to promoting safe school culture is through focusing on intentional design of the outdoor environment of a school, as environment influences human behaviour. Planning of architectural and outdoor furniture elements can facilitate the development of social skills, as interaction is encouraged through special design, and can also lead to better learning outcomes.

Key reference:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257716066_Relationship_between_the_Outdoor_Physical_Environment_and_Student’s_Social_Behaviour_in_Urban_Secondary_School