The Blog

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 …

Designing public spaces is a complex task that blends form, function, and endurance. Architects face growing pressure to select materials that are not only visually appealing but also durable, cost-effective, and sustainable. This is especially true in outdoor environments—where exposure to sun, moisture, temperature swings, and constant use can quickly wear down traditional materials. That’s where resin products, particularly those …

As schools and universities evolve to meet the needs of growing student populations and increasingly diverse learning environments, campus infrastructure must follow suit. Outdoor furnishings and fixtures play a critical role in safety, comfort, and long-term maintenance—especially in areas with heavy foot traffic and varied weather conditions. Resin-based products, from planters to benches and light pole bases, provide an ideal …

Coastal cities and waterfront developments face a unique set of challenges when it comes to selecting street furnishings and infrastructure materials. Salt air, high humidity, frequent storms, and constant exposure to moisture quickly degrade many traditional materials—especially metal. Rust, corrosion, discoloration, and breakage are all common problems that compromise both appearance and functionality in coastal environments. For municipalities and private …

Seasonal events are the lifeblood of many urban spaces. Whether it’s a bustling farmers market in spring, a food and wine festival in summer, or a holiday bazaar in winter, these pop-up events transform public areas into lively, immersive destinations. For municipalities and event planners, ensuring these spaces are safe, functional, and visually cohesive is a complex task. The challenge …

Public spaces—from downtown streetscapes to bustling transit hubs—demand materials that can handle constant wear and tear while maintaining a clean, attractive appearance. Frequent foot traffic, exposure to the elements, and the occasional act of vandalism all place serious stress on traditional materials like concrete, wood, and metal. That’s where resin stands out. Made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), resin products …