DESIGN NAME: Living Inside-out
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Public park furniture
INSPIRATION: Could you imagine a stranger reading newspaper who sits next to you on a sofa in a homey scenario? This may puzzle us to question about are we family member living in my home, in others home, or actually we all are a family sharing the same sky? By recreating home-like experience in public space, the design "Living Inside-out" borrows analogy and quality of indoor, living room and terrace, which signify concept of home for sharing quality time with family and friends at outdoor public setting.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project earmarks the first experiment with holistic design approach initiated by HK Government who explores new public design policy. Open, inclusive, people-centered public furniture was constructed to create new social interaction to the public. Traditional bench provides only one orientation. The new typology with relatively open definition allows users to interact with others by having various orientations and different format of seating postures which facilitate creative usage.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The design provides interaction-free with higher tolerant. Users are facilitated to make free choices and to interpret ways of enjoyment at public outdoor environment. As the furniture in different size and format are arranged at different orientation than normal bench setting in traditional park, face to face chatting is possible. The round shape and soft materials also encourages user who can seat at different levels and postures, even sitting on the ground.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in July 2011 and completed in September 2012. It is implemented at Cornwall Street Park, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a durable synthetic rubber usually applied for playground flooring, is first case in HK being used as major material for constructing body of furniture. It is excellent shock absorption, weather resistance, water permeation, and vivid color fit for kid and HK weather. 70% filler of the work is recycled tyres and reclaimed pave stones. Fiberglass seating is designed for easy dismounted and maintenance. LED stand lamps made by EPDM are powered by solar.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Three groups of furniture occupy 70m2. Lower sitting height (345-385mm) provides for various users. Wide entrance allows wheel chair user to park aside a sofa and enjoy same view of others. 1st group (long sofa, single seaters, large coffee table) is designed for 10 members. 2nd group (lounge, solar lamp) is ideal for single user taking a nap. 3rd group (round seating seats, corner table, solar lamp) is located on a synthetic recycled wood deck for 4-6 users, or two pairs of lovers!
TAGS: Public park furniture, bench, solar powered LED lamp, interaction, recycled
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Quantitative and qualitative research in framework of user centered design approach had been adopted to devise questions and formulate design strategy. Four phases of data collection including site observation, user interview, public engagement with full size working prototypes testing, and user satisfaction survey were conducted. Different user types are identified such as users in different ages, physical abilities and multi-nationalities whose demand different performance of furniture.
CHALLENGE: The usage rate of park in Cornwall Street Park is very low as Hongkongers are not used to stay in a park because of boring in terms of bad interaction, very hot in summer, as well as there is a large and famous shopping center with full air conditioning aside. There are huge amount of train passengers passing the entrance of the park but not much people get in. Transforming the old park into attractive space for waiting friends, having lunch, taking a nap or having party is our major challenge.
ADDED DATE: 2014-06-30 09:25:31
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Brian Lee and Denise Chan
IMAGE CREDITS: Denise Chan & Brian Lee, 2014.
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