Spring2019

University of Tripoli – Faculty of Engineering

Architecture and Urban planning Department

Report about:

Streetscape

Sub: Urban Design- ARCH405

Instructor:

Prof.: Latifa Wafa

Arch.: Thuraya Ashur

Presented by: Ahed Khalifa Albasyouni

Definition of term:
Streetscape is a term used to describe the natural and built fabric
of the street, and defined as the design quality of the street and its
visual effect, particularly, how the paved area is laid out and
treated.

Its elements:
o Sidewalks
Dedicated space with clear walking paths and universal access
used for a variety of activities and functions.
o Street corners
Provides increased pedestrian space for social interaction as
well as a safe refuge while waiting to cross the street, also
provides shorter crossing distance.
o Raingardens
A garden bed designed to treat stormwater.
o Trees and landscapes strips
Include trees and planting to provide shade and a sense of
enclosure to the street. Rain gardens

o Planters
Planters are be used to create inexpensive yet aesthetically
pleasing installations that define medians, islands, curb
extensions, plazas…
o Street furnishing
The objects, elements, and structures placed within the
street “Benches - Trash receptacles… “
o Lighting
Evenly illuminate streets to give pedestrians, cyclists, and
drivers better nighttime vision and improved perception of
safety and comfort.

o Signage
o Bus stop zones
The space designated for the waiting and boarding of transit
riders. It can be integrated into the sidewalk, the median, or
on a dedicated boarding island.
o Medians
Medians or refuge islands create a two-stage crossing for
pedestrians, making it easier and safer to cross multiple lanes
of traffic.

o Curbs
They are defined as the edge of the sidewalk where they
meet the street.
o Bicycles facilities
o Crossing “crosswalks”
Safe and frequent pedestrian crossings support a walkable
environment.

o Public Art
o Café spaces
o Parklets
Public seating platforms that replace several parking spaces.
They serve as a gathering place for the community and can
revitalize local businesses.
Its principles:
o Urban principles:
 Legibility - a character of a city easily understood by its
residents and visitors allowing them to move about in ease.
 Comfort and safety of all “pedestrians, drivers, strollers, street
café patrons, shoppers, sightseers... “
 Attractiveness “aesthetically pleasing”

o Social Principles
 Livability “improving the quality of street life”
 Supports healthy urban community “separating pedestrians from
vehicular, trash receptacles, benches, and pedestrian lighting>

o Economic principles
 Reduce consumption of material resources “sustainable
materials”

o Environmental principles
 Reduce impact on environmental resources>
 Improve water quality “Storm water”
 Reduce energy consumption.
 Reduce light pollution “reduce sky glow produced by over
illumination- directing light downwards”
Case study:
Van Gogh walk – London, United Kingdom
Location: Stockwell, Borough of Lambeth, London

Overview

This project has transformed a traditional street into a new shared street
and community space. It captured the future value of planning gains for
the improvement of neighborhood streets. Isabel Street was a 12 m wide
residential street, with light traffic, and often used as a play area by
neighborhood children. Most surrounding properties are residential units
without gardens, and the nearest park is some distance away, creating a
demand for public space.
Goals

Provide a space for children to play and residents to meet.

Compensate for the lack of public open space in the area. • Enhance
pedestrian safety and activity.

Foster neighborhood interaction and outdoor activity such as gardening. •

Encourage non-motorized transportation.

Resources:
Global Street design Guide lines – NACTO

Urban street design guide lines – NACTO

Sustainable streetscape as an effective tool in sustainable urban design – HBRC

Journal