The need for clear demarcation to support social distancing is becoming more important as we enter 2021.
With rapidly rising Covid-19 infections in many parts of the UK, authorities are planning ahead to ensure public, residential and commercial areas are future-proofed to protect shoppers, workers and residents.
But how can we ensure such measures are not to the detriment of the architectural environment?
Studs can be retrofitted into streetscapes
Integrating architectural and tactile studs into street furniture projects can create an aesthetically pleasing solution, according to Robert Hawgood, Managing Director of Studmarc, a specialist provider and installer of studs.
“We’re at a point where we know social distancing is going to be part of our personal and work lives for some time to come. The question is, how can we implement this without detracting from the existing built environment we have?
“In high streets and public realm areas there is a need to retrofit measures. Whether the creation of new and wider pedestrian areas to control movement and direction safely, or to cycle lanes.
Long-term social distancing measures
“Up until now, temporary measures such as cones and barriers have been used. But local councils and property companies are turning to permanent solutions. And this is where the integration of architectural and tactile studs into a street furniture scheme can make all the difference.”
He added: “Carefully designed streetscape schemes can enhance their surroundings, whether a high street, public space or private residential or commercial environment.
“Studs can clearly mark out areas, defining direction and distance. What’s good about studs is that they are durable, whether on pavements or roads, or within interiors, such as communal areas, showrooms, shops and offices.”
Studmarc is one of the UK’s specialist suppliers and installers of architectural and tactile studs, as well as anti-skateboarding studs.
It works closely with its associate company, Landmark Street Furniture, to provide a complete solution within street furniture schemes.
Integration and retrofitting into street furniture schemes
“We’ve demonstrated to our clients how the integration of our stud products cannot only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a project, but combine a specific solution for social distancing,” said Mr Hawgood.
“For example, seating and planters can create substantial barriers or crowd control measures. The addition of studs around the furniture creates additional visual and tactile methods of controlling movement and direction of people of cyclists. All without detracting from the architectural environment that cones and barrier do.
“As well as the attractiveness of the studs and street furniture, it’s also a long-term investment that enhances the local area. This is particularly important in retail or residential areas.”
What studs are available?
Demarcation and tactile studs can be used to mark out boundaries, cycle paths, pedestrian pathways and specific areas such as outdoor eating spaces as well as for social distancing. They come in a variety of styles, such as cross-hatched, numbered, flush fitting, raised and anti-slip.
Anti-skate studs are designed specifically to protect buildings, architecture and furniture from skaters and other factors. Robustly designed, they are visible and are an aesthetically pleasing way to fit any anti-skateboarding solution. From bar studs to blades, corner guards to torpedo studs.
Road studs are used to mark out pedestrian crossings, parking bays and boundaries on road and pavement surfaces. They are quick and easy to retrofit, anti-slip and provide a long-life solution to demarcation.
Studmarc is based near Newtown, Powys, where its team can be contacted on 01686 689198 or by email [email protected]. Its full range of studs can be found at www.studmarc.com.
You can contact Landmark Street Furniture by emailing [email protected] or visit www.landmarkstreetfurniture.com.
