3.3 The Public Realm
Microclimate
Public spaces which are sunlit or sheltered from the wind and
rain will draw life onto the street and increase the vibrancy
and activity of a city.
A Place in the Sun
The orientation of streets is one of the influencing factors in
determining people’s choice of route on pedestrian journeys and
their use of public space. People tend to be drawn to the sunny
south-facing side of the street and will search for a patch of
sunlight in which to stop and spend time. Public space should
be designed with this in mind and to maximise opportunities for
public life in areas that enjoy a good solar aspect.
The Peace Gardens are inundated with people on sunny days – particularly
at lunchtime – where it is sometimes difficult to get a seat for
all the people enjoying the sun! Cathedral Square is also orientated
toward the sun, with large trees offering shade in some areas.
People use this space to sit or wait for the tram, and as a meeting
point in the city. Devonshire Green is also a sun trap, and the
grassy areas become a place for picnics and lunch on any sunny
day.
A Windy City
The hilly topography of Sheffield, coupled with the built form
of the city centre creates areas which are very windy. Winds blow
up from the valleys channelled between the taller slab buildings
located along road corridors. There are some streets where it
is a physical struggle to remain upright in particularly windy
weather.
Screens placed in strategic locations may ameliorate the effect
of the wind and provide opportunities – in sunny areas and along
frequented routes – for seating and outdoor dining facilities.
Shelter from the Rain
There must be opportunities for shelter in the streets of the
city centre for periods of inclement weather, particularly along
key routes or where people wait for public transport. There is
a lack of adequate sheltered facilities on public transport routes
at present which, if properly addressed, could increase public
transport use. Similarly, the current shopping facilities in Sheffield
suffer from a lack of sheltered areas. This exposure can make
the shopping experience uncomfortable and may in part account
for the preference of a large indoor shopping centre such as Meadowhall,
instead of the city centre strip shopping. The NRQ development
will aim to address this issue.
Shelter from the elements would improve the retail experience
in the city centre.
Example of typical shelter provision in the city centre.
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