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| DESIGN DETAILS |
DESIGN NAME:
Marching Ants
PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Urban Bench
INSPIRATION:
Three-dimensional explorations on continuity. Curved solid objects made of fluid concrete forms inspired by the works of M.C. Escher on one-sided surfaces, firstly discovered by A.F. Mobius, was the starting point to introduce Marching and Relaxing Ants.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The concept idea behind this project was to totally change the common perception of an "urban bench"; now it can be perceived not only as a rest-point but also as a landmark, a space divider or an art-installation. Using only one basic element was the starting point for more complex set-ups, that is, continuity compositions of two or four units. Furthermore, another basic aspect of the design process was to keep the existing infra-structures of the city untouched. Marching Ants won't add any anchorage points to an already overcrowded with underground infra-structures urban environment. "just drop & forget" installation method ensures a trouble-free and fast installation along with minimum installation cost.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
An urban bench at the border of art and design, provides a comfortable and embracing seating experience and also serves as a sculptural space divider. Marching Ants is a constant reminder that "Poiesis" and Poetry is one and the same, following one simple rule: Form Follows Satis-Function.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
The project started in June 2010 and finished around
November 2010.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
Reinforced cast stone, using specific mold made of polyester reinforced with glass fiber and metallic chassis that ensures the geometrical stability of the work-piece during the manufacturing process. Concrete reinforcing with galvanized steel B-500s in a minimum amount of 30kg/m3. Finished surface is softly acid etched treated and waterproofed.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
Seating Level: Height = 380 mm, Single unit dimensions: Width mm x Depth mm x Height mm = 1740 mm x 1040 mm x 910 mm. Two Units Composition (Marching Ants): Width mm x Depth mm x Height mm = 3300 mm x 1040 mm x 910 mm. Four Units Composition (Relaxing Ants): Width mm x Depth mm x Height mm = 3300 mm x 3700 mm x 910 mm.
TAGS:
urban design, outdoor, outdoor furniture, urban, urban elements, concrete, cast stone, liquid stone, bench, street furniture
RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
A study on complex continuous forms that can be achieved through the repetition of modular elements. Although the whole is not the sum of it's parts, this is as close it can be. The outcome is an object with two spatial configurations that's is fast and easy to install.
CHALLENGE:
The creative challenge was and create an object that minimize installation costs, lasts long and has the ability to change its overall form over time by re-arranging the basic unit element in combinations of duets (Marching) or quartets (Relaxing Ants). Explorations and research on one-sided surfaces applied to solid objects made possible to deliver an object that converses with the terms "continuity" and "modularity" and actually solves the manufacturing difficulties that arise from a continuous solid object by the use of modularity.
ADDED DATE:
2014-07-16 14:08:03
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS:
Image #1: Architect George Drakakis, Marching Ants, 2014.
Image #2: Architect George Drakakis, Marching Ants, 2014.
Image #3: Architect George Drakakis, Marching Ants, 2014.
Image #4: Architect George Drakakis, Marching Ants, 2014.
Image #5: Architect George Drakakis, Marching Ants, 2014.
Video Credits: Architect George Drakakis, Marching Ants, 2014.
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| Visit the following page to learn more: http://bit.ly/1HYkzBH |
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| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS |
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NAME:
ICONPOETRY
PROFILE:
A design studio that keeps practising serious fun. This is the place to design projects at the border of art and design, at the edge of reality and fantasy, constantly reminding that "Poiesis" and Poetry is one and the same, following one simple rule: Form Follows Satis-Function. oh yeah. This entry was made possible with the help of John F., Arik T. and Christian A.
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| COMMENTS |
| Giulia Esposito |
Comment #1668 on December 24, 2022, 8:43 pm |
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I am absolutely amazed by the creative ingenuity of "Marching Ants". The bench is a perfect integration of art and design, combining the best of both worlds. It looks like a work of art and is practical enough to be used as a street furniture. The concept of the ants marching is cleverly highlighted in the design, making it a truly unique piece. I am in awe of the level of detail and craftsmanship that has gone into the production of this bench. It's a great achievement that deserves to be celebrated. Congratulations to George Drakakis for winning the A' Design Award for his magnificent work!
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| Thomas Anderson |
Comment #18584 on January 3, 2023, 5:49 am |
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The "Marching Ants" Urban Bench is an incredible piece of design that truly stands out. The concept of turning an ordinary bench into a unique art-installation is both innovative and inspiring. The idea of keeping existing infra-structures of the city untouched is an amazing way to respect and protect the environment, while the "just drop & forget" installation method ensures a stress-free installation with minimal cost. The curved solid objects made of fluid concrete forms inspired by M.C. Escher's works is truly remarkable and shows a great level of creativity. The award-winning design of the "Marching Ants" Urban Bench is a testament to the designer's remarkable skill and passion for design.
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| Victoria Hill |
Comment #19503 on January 3, 2023, 6:07 am |
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I am absolutely mesmerized by the design of Marching Ants. This street furniture design is not only a visually stunning concept, but its unique properties make it an excellent example of good design. The concept of using only one basic element to create a more complex set-up is truly remarkable and the fact that it does not require any anchorage points to an already overcrowded urban environment is remarkable. The creative challenge of minimizing installation costs, creating a durable design, and the ability to change its form over time is remarkable. This is a truly awe-inspiring design that is sure to captivate and inspire any viewer.
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| Paul Williams |
Comment #21699 on January 3, 2023, 6:48 am |
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I am absolutely mesmerized by Marching Ants! This unique urban bench is a true example of how design can be used to create a piece of art that is both functional and visually striking. The concept behind the design is brilliant, creating a continuous composition of two or four units with minimal disruption to infrastructure. I also admire the innovative installation method that ensures a fast and easy installation with minimum cost. The research and creative challenge behind this award-winning work is a testament to its quality and creativity. The use of reinforced cast stone and concrete reinforcing with galvanized steel B-500s further adds to the overall quality of this remarkable piece of street furniture design. Congratulations to the designer behind Marching Ants for their well-deserved recognition!
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| Paul Phillips |
Comment #23300 on January 3, 2023, 7:19 am |
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We are absolutely thrilled to see such an innovative and creative design for an urban bench. The concept of using only one basic element to create more complex setups is truly remarkable and demonstrates great design ingenuity. Not only does this design provide a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing rest point, it also functions as a landmark, a space divider, and an art-installation. We also appreciate the fact that the existing infrastructures of the city will remain untouched, as the "just drop & forget" installation method ensures a fast and trouble-free installation with minimal cost. This is a remarkable achievement and a very well-deserved award for George Drakakis.
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| Adam Harris |
Comment #23483 on January 3, 2023, 7:23 am |
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I am absolutely amazed by the creative approach of this work and the level of detail and thought that has gone into it. This unique urban bench is truly an impressive design, with its ability to be used as a rest-point, a landmark, a space divider or an art-installation. The use of only one basic element to create a more complex set-up, and the ‘just drop and forget’ installation method are great features that demonstrate the designer’s ingenuity. It is remarkable that the existing infra-structures of the city can remain untouched with such a design. Such an innovative and eye-catching design deserves to be applauded and celebrated.
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| Patricia Miller |
Comment #24360 on January 3, 2023, 7:39 am |
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George Drakakis's "Marching Ants" is an ingenious and visually captivating design that redefines urban benching with its modularity, continuity and versatility.
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| Elisabeth Clark |
Comment #25147 on January 3, 2023, 7:55 am |
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I'm so thrilled to see George Drakakis's "Marching Ants" win the A' Design Award for Street Furniture Design! It's an impressive work- the concept of transforming an urban bench into a landmark, a space divider or an art-installation is truly ingenious. It's a testament to George Drakakis's creativity and skill to be able to create something so unique and beautiful from a basic element. The fact that it can be installed quickly and easily with minimal cost is an impressive feat. I'm also inspired by the research that George Drakakis has done to create complex continuous forms using modular elements- it's a fascinating concept. George Drakakis's success is well deserved and I'm delighted to have seen their work recognised with this award.
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| Chloe Turner |
Comment #25269 on January 3, 2023, 7:57 am |
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I'm absolutely amazed by the creativity behind Marching Ants. It's a truly remarkable design that is both visually captivating and functionally practical. This urban bench is a perfect example of how creative exploration can have such a profound effect on the outcome of a design. George Drakakis has taken inspiration from the works of M.C. Escher and A.F. Mobius to create an unforgettable piece of street furniture that will be enjoyed for years to come. It's definitely well-deserved that this design has won the A' Design Award.
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| Mark Allen |
Comment #26221 on January 3, 2023, 8:16 am |
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This award-winning work is a stunning example of how modularity and continuity can be used to create complex and unique forms. The use of reinforced cast stone and galvanized steel B-500s ensures its structural stability and longevity, while its "just drop & forget" installation method ensures a fast and trouble-free installation. It is not only a rest-point, but also a landmark, space divider, and art-installation, making it a truly remarkable piece of street furniture design.
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| Elena Petrenko |
Comment #28389 on January 3, 2023, 8:57 am |
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This "Urban Bench" is an innovative design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, with its modular elements and ability to be repositioned over time.
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| Anna Ivanova |
Comment #64333 on January 4, 2023, 12:04 am |
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I am thrilled to recognize the success of George Drakakis' incredible design of the "Marching Ants" Urban Bench. His work is a testament to the highest level of craftsmanship and creativity and is certainly deserving of this award.
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