Rethinking Urban Furniture: A Review of Ecological and User-Centered Approaches for Sustainable Cities

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Design, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Design, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Urban furniture and green spaces play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life and shaping sustainable urban environments. However, current design approaches often overlook environmental integration and user needs, leading to fragmented and inefficient urban elements. This study aims to identify principles and propose a user-centered, ecologically integrated framework for designing urban furniture that supports sustainable urban development. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology supported by both library research and field observations, the study examines how ecological materials, organic forms, renewable energy integration, and climate-responsive strategies can be incorporated into urban furniture design. The findings reveal that attention to recyclability, renewable resources, native materials, environmental aesthetics, and contextual climate adaptation are essential components for designing ecological urban furniture. The proposed framework aligns product design with environmental sustainability and human-centered usability, offering practical guidelines for policymakers, urban designers, and industrial designers seeking to promote healthier and more resilient urban living.

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References

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Journal of Design Thinking
Volume 5, Issue 2
December 2024
Pages 301-318

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