Public Benches Between Routine and Renewal

Public benches often appear dull and routine; they’re usually meant for sitting, waiting, or perhaps watching passersby. However, Spacon Studio in Copenhagen, in collaboration with +Halle, presented a completely different vision, seeking to rethink the bench’s function and its social role.

ADP Bench: A Different Concept

The new design is called the ADP Bench, an abbreviation of “Adults Don’t Play.” Yet, the fascinating part is that the idea does the exact opposite of its name; the bench transforms the traditional act of sitting into an experience filled with interaction and discovery.

Design Background

This innovation emerged from +Halle’s sixth annual gathering, where the central theme was play. Instead of offering a childlike design with bright colors or cartoonish elements, Spacon Studio drew upon behavioral research conducted at the University of Southern Denmark.

The Key Discovery

The research revealed that adults never stop wanting to move and experiment with their surroundings. This finding inspired the designers to develop a bench that blends simplicity with playfulness, reshaping the relationship between individuals and public spaces.

An Unconventional Sitting Experience

With the ADP Bench, it’s not just about sitting. Each circular seat is designed to spin, much like a drummer’s stool, sparking an instinct for movement and experimentation at first glance.

Interaction as Part of the Idea

The urge to spin the bench is not a flaw in the design; it is, in fact, the very core of the concept. The design invites users to actively participate in the experience rather than remain passive recipients.

Flexibility in Use

Beyond movement, the bench offers multiple possibilities: it can be adjusted in height to find the perfect position, or even serve as a temporary table for placing a book or a cup of coffee. This blend of simplicity and flexibility illustrates how design can add practical value without losing its playful essence.

A Hybrid, Multi-Functional Nature

The strength of the ADP Bench lies in its hybrid identity. The seat isn’t limited to a single posture; it can effortlessly transform from a low stool to a regular chair, a raised platform, or even a tabletop surface.

Limitless Flexibility

This versatility opens the door to endless configurations, allowing each user to determine the most suitable way to use the bench according to their immediate needs.

The User as a Design Partner

Instead of imposing a predefined function, the design places the decision in the hands of the sitter. In this way, the individual becomes an active partner in shaping the experience, reinforcing the idea that good furniture adapts to people, not the other way around.

Materials and Structure

The ADP Bench is crafted from MDF panels and steel, with details coated in blue zinc for corrosion resistance. This combination strikes a balance between the durability required for public spaces and a modern aesthetic that adds visual appeal.

Color Harmony

The bench is available in three main colors: plum, ivory, and light green. These tones lend it a warm yet elegant character, without turning into loud shades that could distract the user.

Practical Details

Despite the playful spirit of the design, practicality was not overlooked. The bench is equipped with adjustable plastic latches, ensuring stability even on uneven surfaces. In this way, the design remains balanced between playfulness and functionality, making it perfectly suited for use in public spaces.

Breaking Conventional Expectations

What sets the ADP Bench apart is its ability to challenge the stereotypical view of adult behavior in public spaces. We’re used to associating playfulness with areas dedicated to children or entertainment, while adults are expected to remain within the bounds of seriousness and discipline.

A New Vision of Interaction

Spacon Studio’s design flips this assumption on its head; it gives adults the freedom to experiment and play with their surroundings without the need for external justification. This approach reminds us that the desire for movement and discovery is not exclusive to children but an essential part of human nature.

The Human Dimension of Design

Through this concept, the bench becomes more than just a piece of public furniture. It becomes a tool that revives our instinctive drives for curiosity and interaction, reshaping the relationship between humans and urban spaces.

Simplicity as a Design Value

The ADP Bench demonstrates that good design doesn’t need noise or exaggeration to make an impact. Instead, it offers the simplest invitation possible: a spinning motion, waiting for anyone curious enough to give it a try.

An Unexpected Moment of Discovery

In public spaces often defined by stillness and uniformity, this bench stands out as an exception, granting users a personal moment of control and discovery. With every spin, it creates a small, unexpected experience of delight, proving that even the simplest changes can redefine our relationship with the objects around us.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Although the ADP Bench offers a playful character and an interactive experience that breaks away from the ordinary, its value remains partial when viewed through the lens of comprehensive urban design. The bench draws attention to the role of public furniture in disrupting routine, yet it also raises several questions: How practical can it remain over the long term? And is the concept worth the investment if the experience is limited to a fleeting moment of interaction?

On the other hand, the design remains intriguing because it reminds architects and designers that humans seek not only functional comfort but also elements of experimentation and discovery. Still, the real challenge lies in how to integrate such ideas into broader urban frameworks, contributing to the sustainable improvement of public spaces rather than remaining a symbolic initiative or a limited aesthetic gesture.

https://archup.net/jantzen-pavilion-participatory-architecture/ Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team

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