Spacing Bench

Jul 27

A bench that gives users multiple ways to enjoy a seat

This idea was originally submitted in French.

Par: A4 architecture + design

The main street in Gatineau’s Aylmer district is a dynamic hub of the city where you can find shops, anchor institutions, places of worship, parks and a weekly farmers’ market.

The COVID19 pandemic has changed the boundary between public and private and enclosed spaces need to become more open to the outside. For this we must fully use and invest in streets, sidewalks and parking spaces. The different actors of Alymer’s main street are mobilizing to find solutions which in many cases involves wayfinding and signage. After undertaking an indepth study of Aylmer’s main street, a number of concepts were developed for adapted and ergonomic comfort for users. This submission focuses on one of those ideas: the public bench.

Public benches in our parks, squares, and even in our streets, are one of the most needed urban furniture in times of pandemic – where restaurants and cafes are limited or not offering seating. We therefore had the idea of developing "The spacing bench", offering users multiple ways to enjoy a seat.

These are three options that can be grafted on public benches. The first option divides the bench to isolate people without losing valuable seating space. The second removes one seating area but offers space to place an elbow. The third includes a table to facilitate eating/drinking. These three modules could be further customized.

Details

Budget: The "spacing bench" requires a budget of approximately $ 350 plus tax for each of the 3 options modules (with materials purchased from the local hardware store) and includes the materials (angles and wood screws, wood), treatment products (white paint and water-repellent protector). The cost of labour has not been included because of the simplicity of the module, allowing all those interested to do it themselves or have it built by a contractor of their choice.

Materials and manufacturing: "The spacing bench" consists of: bleached water-repellent treated OSB (oriented strand board - a type of engineered wood similar to particle board) and 4-Way Patio Deck Blocks for the base. These elements can be purchased in hardware stores and can be easily assembled.

Manufacturing steps:

Choose a bench and draw its profile
Cut and paint white the OSB (one coat only) and treat with water repellent.
Assembled the elements using the deck block, angles and wood screws.

These bench modifications can be easily done by an amateur and should be tailored to the profile of the specific bench on which they are fitted.

Installation and other services: The modules once made are easily removable and transportable. They can be easily moved from one bench to another.