Eighternity Urban Bench

Eighternity Urban Bench is an innovative urban furniture design that revolutionizes the traditional concept of public seating through its distinctive liquid stone construction and sophisticated engineering. Created by Greek architect and designer George Drakakis in 2013, this architectural element comprises two robust units crafted from reinforced cast stone, featuring a unique geometry that provides both stability and comfort. The bench's distinctive design, which earned it a Gold A' Design Award in the Street Furniture Design category, is characterized by its embracing curves and thoughtful ergonomics that create an inviting seating experience while maintaining structural integrity. The design's most notable innovation lies in its drop & forget installation method, which eliminates the need for traditional anchorage points, thereby respecting existing urban infrastructure and minimizing disruption during installation. Manufactured using sophisticated molding techniques involving polyester reinforced with glass fiber and a metallic chassis, the bench features a minimum of 30kg/m3 of galvanized steel B-500s reinforcement, ensuring durability and longevity. The surface treatment includes a soft acid etching process and waterproofing, making it highly resistant to environmental factors. With dimensions of 1360 x 1780 x 1050 mm for the complete two-unit configuration, the bench's proportions are carefully calculated to provide optimal seating comfort while maintaining a commanding presence in public spaces. The design's emphasis on stability is achieved through strategically positioned endpoints that neutralize movement, while its aesthetic appeal stems from a harmonious blend of functional requirements and artistic expression, embodying the designer's philosophy of Form Follows Satis-Function.

Author: Adam Dawson

Keywords: urban design, street furniture, public seating, cast stone construction, architectural innovation, sustainable urban elements

SOURCES:
https://competition.adesignaward.com/29476

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