'The Longest Bench', a fun project that has changed the character of the UK's coastal promenade
The idea behind the projectLongest seat“It is about revitalizing neglected space, citizen participation and recycling. Its creators are members Weaving studioa London architecture firm distinguished by developing projects that reclaim the character of the place in which they are located.
To implement this project, Studio Wave worked on the coast of Littlehampton, in the south of England, with the aim of building a bench that not only stands out for its size, but also contributes to creating a sense of place.
More details below.
The bank is a unique multi-shaped structure, designed to accommodate up to 300 people at a time, installed in the coastal area. Since there is no uniform aisle at this location, the seat design varies according to the characteristics of each section.
For example, in places where there are garbage cans and lamp posts, the seat adapts to these surrounding elements, while on beach access bridges, the seat descends and remains at ground level.
During the design phase of the bench, the office team worked with children from Connaught Junior School, who told them what they thought of the tour and showed them what they were doing there. Furthermore, children pointed out areas they considered “unsafe” and “dirty.”
At these points, the architects and designers chose to create shelters where children can play in the structure that forms the bench.
To create the seat, materials with a long useful life were chosen, such as old wooden beams from the port.
About some of the structural elements there are messages left by those who helped expand the bank. The original project was completed in 2010 and since then new sections have been added.
Studio Wave is called the longest bench in the UK, but over time it could become the largest structure in the world.
via Urban platform.
