How Cities Can Create Safer Spaces for Businesses to Reopen

Cities can and should play a role in creating safe public spaces and supporting local businesses, according to new plans from Studio One Eleven. The Los Angeles-based design firm recommends that cities adapt outdoor areas and parking into spaces for consumers to engage in commerce from a distance, and therefore support businesses. These spaces would include the creation of temporary parklets, curbside parking and flex areas.

“The city has an opportunity to reposition some spaces to allow businesses to recover,” Alan Pullman, a principal at Studio One Eleven, tells GlobeSt.com. “For example, cities control street side parking, and dedicated 5-to-10 minute customer pick-up zones can be really critical to a businesses survival. Having more designated more curbside pick-up zones is really important, and the city can facilitate that by restriping and taking out or re-signing meters.”