The research reported in this paper identifes the sidewalk design characteristics and furniture arrangements that can foster social activities amongst people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The main conclusion from this research is that the seating preferences of different ethnicities are in many ways similar. However, people make specific decisions on where to sit based on the location, orientation and arrangement of seating and how it relates to different land-use activities. In light of this, designers should become familiar with the diverse needs and expectations of those who make use of the sidewalks.