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In order to create vibrant public spaces, people need to have a constant presence in these locations, whether they are on their own or in groups. In fact, they need to linger in these places and establish social interactions. To do so, one major element has to be incorporated into the urban setting: the bench.
This seating feature, simple or high tech, insures firstly the comfort of the passersby and animates the area consequently, through the addition of the missing human aspect. Sometimes, this is all it takes to revive a space that became a dull passage. The most basic urban design component can take many forms and can be created from different materials, always generating a statement and serving its purpose.
Read on to discover 10 innovative seating solutions in public spaces.
Root Bench / Yong Ju Lee Architecture
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The Best Weapon or the Peace Bench / Snohetta
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The Playful Bench / MAPT and Sune Petersen
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The Longest Bench / Studio Weave
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Toronto’s Parklet 2017 / Ryerson University’s Department of Architectural Science
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The Forumtorget project / White Arkitekter
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Polymorphic / Columbia University GSAPP
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10 “Superbenches” of the city of Järfälla, Sweden
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Wooden Wave Pavilion / Paul Cocksedge
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HeartSeat / Stereotank
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Special Mentions
Terrazo Bench / Apt
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Biological Benches / Terreform ONE + Genspace
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Editor's Note: This article was originally published on the 21st of October 2019.