Urban centers are heating up faster than surrounding rural areas due to a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. Concrete, asphalt, and glass absorb and radiate heat, pushing city temperatures significantly higher, especially in summer. While greenery can help cool things down, maintaining healthy plants in these harsh environments presents a major challenge. That’s where self-watering resin planters …

Transit zones: bus stops, train platforms, subway entrances, and light rail stations, are some of the most demanding public environments in a city. From early morning commuters and school traffic to late-night riders and weekend crowds, these spaces are in near-constant use. This high-volume, high-frequency nature makes them especially vulnerable to wear, vandalism, and weathering. As cities strive to improve …

As summer turns to fall, cities and communities begin preparing their outdoor spaces for cooler weather, shifting aesthetics, and changing public needs. Sidewalk cafes give way to harvest festivals. Outdoor markets transform into weekend art fairs. School campuses fill with activity, and parks invite residents to linger in the crisp air under changing leaves. Amid these seasonal transitions, public space …

Vandalism is an unfortunate reality of urban life, and graffiti is one of the most persistent and costly issues cities face. From transit hubs and pedestrian areas to parks and commercial corridors, maintaining a clean and welcoming public environment can feel like an uphill battle. Yet, the choice of materials in site furnishings can make all the difference—especially when municipalities …

In urban design, entrances are more than just functional pathways—they’re a city’s handshake, an opportunity to make a memorable and inviting first impression. Whether it’s a municipal building, retail storefront, office plaza, or transit hub, the entry experience sets the tone for how people perceive and interact with a space. This is where thoughtful use of resin planters can make …

As students return to school each fall, municipalities, urban designers, and safety advocates turn their attention to a critical shared goal: creating safer school zones. While signage is a key component—alerting drivers to slow down and stay alert near children—effective design goes far beyond posted speed limits and flashing lights. Safe school zones depend on a combination of visual cues, …

Public spaces are no longer just functional—they’re statements of identity. From busy commercial corridors to thoughtfully curated parks, municipalities and private developers alike are investing in cohesive, eye-catching designs that reflect their brand or neighborhood character. One increasingly vital element in achieving this visual harmony is street furniture. Benches, planters, tables, and light pole bases are no longer chosen for …

As cities continue to evolve, transit systems must keep pace—not only in technology and infrastructure but also in the everyday details that shape commuter experiences. From bus stops and light rail platforms to downtown transit plazas and multimodal hubs, these high-traffic public spaces demand materials that can handle constant use while maintaining aesthetic appeal. TerraCast® resin furnishings offer a reliable, …

As cities grow and temperatures rise, urban planners and architects face a pressing challenge: mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This phenomenon—caused by the abundance of heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt—makes metropolitan areas significantly warmer than their rural surroundings. In response, municipalities are exploring ways to cool their streetscapes without sacrificing form or function. Resin furnishings, especially those …

In urban planning and public space design, the concept of safety goes far beyond physical barriers and security measures. While materials like resin offer vandal-resistance, durability, and graffiti protection, color selection can also play a surprisingly powerful role in shaping how people feel in a space. Color psychology—how humans perceive and respond to different hues—can influence everything from perceived safety …