That's the opinion of local architecture collective Canberra Lab, which is exploring the city's flawed thoroughfares in a project called Good Street.

Member Nikki Butlin said there needed to be a rebalancing of focus between buildings and street life.

''Unlike most cities we don't have a street identity,'' she said.

''Canberra is known for its iconic buildings, but what we need is a good street for the people who live here.''

A good street needs a focus on remaining active and pedestrian friendly, with a range of businesses and planning to ensure street traffic lingers, according to the collective.

Canberra's residential streets could be seen as successful, but Ms Butlin said commercial thoroughfares in the capital were bested by streets in Queanbeyan or Braidwood.

''City Walk is a prime example of somewhere which could be fantastic but has the wrong businesses,'' she said.

''I think we need to think more about our public spaces. We need to think about how our outside places are made for people, rather than just concentrating on iconic buildings.''

Canberrans are invited to interact with Good Street, as collective members install artwork during the Art Not Apart Festival this weekend.

Ms Butlin said they would be using paste up to depict a good street and all its components as part of the festival, held at New Acton from 1pm today.

''We're looking at what makes a good street and why in Canberra we don't have any,'' she said.

''It's about the character of the building and the way people use them. People need to be able to gather and meet. A good street has things that take you out onto the street.''

Canberra Lab will also be working with academics and students next week, exploring the implementation of light rail in Canberra.