A 20-minute neighbourhood, 15-minute city or a health first approach to urban planning – whatever the title the concept is broadly the same.

The design of a place can influence positive health and wellbeing changes, as well as protect the environment.

With a refocusing of priorities, the idea of creating places around people rather than roads and buildings is gaining momentum.

And while necessity initially was a driving force behind the transition to outdoor living, there remains a growing preference for insightful and thoughtful outdoor spaces for work, rest and play.

In-house design consultancy
At Broxap, they offer a huge collection of street furniture products including external seating, cycle parking products, canopies and shelters, and outdoor gym and playground equipment.

All of their standard designs have been developed over many years to offer inclusive features, a long-lasting, durable construction, comfort and functionality.

They also specialise in architectural metalwork and bespoke street furniture design, working with their partners to fulfil their brief and bring their visions to life.

Through sharing ideas, knowledge and expertise they are able to launch new products every year to complement changing landscapes and the daily needs of residents, visitors and commuters.

Outdoor dining
The trend for outdoor dining will continue to grow in 2023, not just with al fresco seating at pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants, but with dedicated facilities for picnics and barbecues in public areas.

The UK offers some of the most picturesque venues where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink outdoors and celebrate spending time together.

Whether it is creating opportunities for people to stretch their legs, grab a screen break and enjoy their packed lunch away from the desk, or designing the perfect setting for community lunches, their modular seating options are the ideal solution.

With a range of shapes and sizes to choose from, individual dining pods can be created, defined by the needs of users, while maintaining place identity.

Their new design concepts include seating with extensive surface areas encouraging people to meet up, kick back, and relax.

Broxap already offer outdoor dining tables ideal for working lunches, break-out spaces, or just somewhere convenient to enjoy a coffee.

But more often they are being asked for group seating and individual seating accompanied by the outdoor equivalent of a coffee table or occasional table, for peaceful hideaways and hub spots for catch-ups with friends and neighbours.

Sustainable designs
With a continuous investment programme in place at their production facility, they are committed to sustainable manufacturing.

As well as reducing waste, emissions and energy consumption on site, they produce products which are designed to support low carbon and sustainable communities.

Their litter and recycling bins have been used in high profile pilot schemes to increase on-the-go recycling opportunities on high streets, near beaches, across woodlands and forests and along rivers and canals.

As their sales, design and manufacturing teams all work from the same site, they are the ideal partner to drive forward innovative projects.

Their cycle shelter, canopy and walkway products lend themselves to the addition of integrated solar technology.

And as green roof systems develop, they expect to be installing more storage shelters, passenger waiting shelters, cycle hubs and compounds with sedum roofs.

Thrive without a car
Sustainable environments deliver services such as retail, entertainment, education, housing, healthcare, employment and recreational open space all within one destination.

Having access to these features within a 20-minute walk or 7-minute cycle ride aims to reduce the number of journeys made by car, improve inclusivity, reduce isolation and reduce congestion and damage to the environment.

At Broxap they provide a high-quality range of cycle parking infrastructure and expect to support the development of low-traffic neighbourhoods in 2023 and beyond with accessible cycle shelters, parking racks and stands and secure cycle parking lockers and hubs.

Enabling longer, sustainable journeys includes the introduction of external seating along key routes for people to stop and rest.

Their Litchard suite of street furniture is one of the most popular in their range today, showing that an interior design style approach to external seating is more inviting, with the option for inclusive features such as arm and backrests.

Urban planning is leaning towards more vibrant and sustainable communities – they’re designing, manufacturing and installing the infrastructure to connect people to these places.