The Blog

As temperatures rise and cities heat up, maintaining healthy urban greenery becomes more challenging—and more essential. Plants play a vital role in cooling urban areas, filtering pollutants, and enhancing the overall beauty and livability of public spaces. Yet in high-heat environments, keeping those plants hydrated can become a costly, labor-intensive task. That’s where self-watering resin planters from TerraCast® offer a …

In today’s competitive retail environment, first impressions matter more than ever. While a great storefront design and window display can draw attention, what surrounds the storefront is just as important. That’s where resin planters come into play. With their versatility, durability, and modern appeal, resin planters are quickly becoming an essential tool in helping retailers and municipalities transform ordinary sidewalks …

When warm weather returns, restaurants and cafés race to take advantage of the outdoor dining season. Patios fill with customers looking to enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and al fresco meals. But the same summer elements that draw people outside can also pose challenges for outdoor furniture—especially in high-traffic hospitality settings. Choosing the right materials becomes crucial for both aesthetic appeal …

Urban infrastructure must be tough enough to endure constant wear, extreme weather, and high public use—without compromising on appearance. City planners, architects, and developers face the challenge of selecting materials that won’t chip, rust, or deteriorate under pressure. Resin, particularly linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) used in TerraCast® Products, has emerged as a superior material for street furnishings, planters, and light …

Public plazas are more than open spaces—they’re dynamic extensions of the urban environment that foster connection, commerce, and culture. Whether serving as a venue for farmers’ markets, public art, casual meetups, or outdoor dining, these civic spaces shape how people interact with their city. Designing a successful modern plaza requires thoughtful integration of both form and function, where every element—from …

Rooftop gardens are no longer just trendy design features—they’re becoming essential assets for urban buildings seeking to maximize space, sustainability, and value. In densely populated cities where every square foot counts, roof gardens transform underutilized surfaces into vibrant, functional environments that offer far more than curb appeal. With innovations in lightweight materials like resin planters and modular furnishings, creating and …

Maintaining vibrant, healthy greenery in urban environments comes with challenges—especially when dealing with extreme temperatures, limited watering access, and budget constraints. For cities, businesses, and property managers already invested in existing planters, the idea of replacing them with entirely new self-watering models might seem like the only way out. But with TerraCast®’s modular self-watering reservoir system, there’s a smarter and …

Public safety is a cornerstone of successful urban design. From busy sidewalks to school courtyards and transit hubs, every detail in a public space plays a role in creating environments that are not only functional but also secure. While much attention is given to lighting, surveillance, and emergency access, the design and materials of everyday site furnishings—like benches, planters, and …

Urban infrastructure is built to last—but not all materials stand the test of time. For decades, metal street fixtures such as benches, light pole bases, and planters have been staples in cityscapes across the country. While they offer strength and a sleek aesthetic, the long-term costs of corrosion, maintenance, and environmental exposure have become increasingly difficult for cities to ignore. …

As cities continue to grow and become denser, the phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect has become an increasingly pressing challenge. Buildings, roads, and hardscape materials absorb and retain heat, making urban environments significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. In the effort to cool down city spaces, planners and municipalities are turning to smarter design strategies—including the selection …