Social distancing with architectural studs

They might be small in size but architectural and tactile studs are making a big impact when it comes to ensuring social distancing and demarcation in UK towns and cities.

With the likelihood of long-term social distancing measures needed throughout the UK as a result of the continuing coronavirus situation, architects, planners and property management specialists are looking for ways to integrate such measures into buildings and public places.

Temporary measures are being made permanent

Temporary signs and barriers are being replaced with street furniture and specialist metal studs for demarcation for the long-term, according to Robert Hawgood of Studmarc, a specialist company providing studs for protecting buildings to marking out walkways, cycle paths and social distancing.

“It’s become apparent from the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the UK that measures for ensuring social distancing are going to have to be built into our architectural environment. That’s not just from an aesthetic point of view, but also to ensure demarcation is enduring,” he said.

“In many towns and cities, we have seen temporary measures put in place to ‘signpost’ people and vehicles. From wider walkways to pop-up cycleways. This is mirrored in shops and shopping centres, offices and even manufacturing facilities.

He added: “Additionally, there is a need to ensure people with vision impairments can identify the same measures, whether they are walking through an office or shop, or along a pavement. This is where tactile studs, as well as demarcation studs, can play a vital role.”

So, what can studs do?

There are several different types of studs for different purposes:

• Demarcation
• Anti-skateboarding
• Tactile
• Road

Demarcation and tactile studs can be used to mark out boundaries, cycle paths, pedestrian pathways and specific areas such as outdoor eating spaces as well as for social distancing. They come in a variety of styles, such as cross-hatched, numbered, flush fitting, raised and anti-slip.

Anti-skate studs are designed specifically to protect buildings, architecture and furniture from skaters and other factors. Robustly designed, they are visible and are an aesthetically pleasing way to fit any anti-skateboarding solution. From bar studs to blades, corner guards to torpedo studs.

Road studs are used to mark out pedestrian crossings, parking bays and boundaries on road and pavement surfaces. They are quick and easy to retrofit, anti-slip and provide a long-life solution to demarcation.

A solution for retail, residential, commercial and industrial

Mr Hawgood added: “The stud has been used as a solution by architects and building specifiers for many years on new developments such as retail parks, offices, town centres and public areas, as well as within private complexes, such as residential areas.

“Because they can be retrofitted easily, they are also being used more widely as a solution for social distancing and demarcation and we’re seeing enquiries and sales coming from local authorities, private developers, town centre management companies, rail operators and others.

“They provide an economic and safe solution not only to the ongoing coronavirus situation, but for wider use in residential, commercial, educational and other environments where demarcation and safety is important.”

Studmarc is based near Newtown, Powys, where its team can be contacted on 01686 689198 or by email [email protected]. Its full range of studs can be found at www.studmarc.com.