5. The role of street design in supporting social and environmental functioning of the city

This chapter addresses the urgent need to transform urban streets, transitioning from a dominant car-centric model established in the second half of the 20th century towards multifunctional public spaces that prioritize social and environmental sustainability. It argues that streets must reclaim their original role as places of social interaction, vitality, and recreation, in response to contemporary challenges such as increased traffic and the scarcity of quality public spaces. The analysis is structured around two fundamental pillars. The first is the social aspect, where physical and psychological safety are paramount. Studies in Warsaw reveal that women perceive greater insecurity due to traffic and inadequate infrastructure, emphasizing the need to foster citizen participation to create a sense of belonging and “territorialism.” The second is the environmental aspect, which addresses phenomena such as the urban heat island effect and stormwater management. In this regard, it advocates for the implementation of nature-based solutions, such as green and blue infrastructure, to improve the microclimate and increase biodiversity. Through a case study of three streets in the Ochota district of Warsaw, the text proposes concrete design guidelines including widening sidewalks, visually unifying street furniture and facades, and integrating functional vegetation. Finally, the chapter concludes that success in creating resilient and pedestrian-friendly cities depends on an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, which must harmoniously integrate “hard” infrastructure with “soft” socio-cultural processes, thereby guaranteeing quality of life and long-term urban vitality.