Public seating is quite utilitarian in its intent. It serves as a temporary resting platform for the weary walkers, shoppers & others to take a load off and stay still while the rest of the humanity flows by.

 

The Flow Bench, differing from the standard linear benches, offers two opposing curves, intersecting off the center axis. Each inward curve naturally invites the sitters to engage socially.

 

On the other hand, the opposing curves also allow strangers to maintain personal space by sitting away from each other.

 

The forked ends of the curves create a private domain in the public realm. Two people can sit intimately facing each other, with legs interlocked, and will the rest of the world to disappear.

 

108” x 48”d x 16”h (approximately)

 

plywood, finished with clear lacquer

 

This was an ambitious project. Entered as a competition entry for the Vancouver Design Show, it had tested the limits of my then shop space and my own ability. The result was quite impressive - for the sheer size of it and the bent plywood curves.