Global Street Design Guide

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Table of Contents
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Table of Contents

Global Street Design Guide

Geometry

Commercial Use Extension

Ground floor extensions play a critical role in activating streetscapes, making them visually interesting and engaging,and adding valuable additional area for local businesses. From stands that display commercial goods such as clothes, books, flowers, or fruit  to outdoor dining spaces that range from individual to multiple group tables, these outdoor uses should be planned and designed for. Widths of 1–4 m can be accommodated when clear walking  aths are maintained. Local permitting systems help regulate  dimensions, clear paths, and hours of operation.

Vendors on Sidewalks

When sidewalks are wide enough, vendors and market stalls can be situated in the street furniture zone, providing a buffer between pedestrians and moving or parked vehicles. Allow at least 1 m of space for vendor customers in addition to a 1.8 m minimum clear path. When blank building facades, setbacks, vacant lots, or parking lots line the edge of the sidewalk, local vending activity can assist in activating the street and making it more lively and engaging.

Vendors in Enhancement Zone

Typically 2–2.5 m, the space of curbside parking can be designated for vending activity. Vendors can be interchanged with seating, parked cars, loading zones, and other uses to help provide an active edge to the sidewalks while maintaining clear paths. Provide vertical protection in the form of bollards, planters, or delineators to ensure safety of pedestrians.

Adapted by Global Street Design Guide published by Island Press.

Siting Guidance

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Siting Guidance