environmentsstreets

Environmentsstreets is an urban design concept that treats streets as environmental and social systems rather than solely as transport corridors. It envisions streets that accommodate walking, cycling, transit, and vehicle access while integrating green infrastructure to manage rainwater, reduce heat, and support biodiversity.

Core elements include street trees and canopies, permeable pavements, bioswales, rain gardens, and pocket parks; high-quality lighting and seating; traffic calming and accessible crossings; and space allocation for street vegetation along curbs and medians. Design also emphasizes shading, wind control, and noise reduction through vegetation and layout.

Implementation often uses low-impact development techniques and nature-based solutions, and coordinates with water management and energy efficiency goals.

Benefits include improved air quality, reduced urban heat, mitigated flood risk, enhanced biodiversity, support for physical activity, and increased foot traffic that can benefit local businesses.

Challenges include cost and maintenance, governance fragmentation, retrofit in dense urban areas, balancing safety with livability, and compatibility with car-centric policies.

Related concepts include complete streets, green streets, sustainable urban drainage systems, and blue-green infrastructure.

Examples appear in projects that combine pedestrianization, protected bike lanes, street trees, bioswales, and rain gardens on street corridors.