Belgian design firm Studio Part has created the Tenir bench, which is a demountable metal structure that encourages young willow trees to grow through it. The term Tenir means to hold or hold on to in French and the chair encourages branches to become intertwined and follow a unique curve that would end up as a comfortable seat over time.
It is initially crafted with a metal cover on top of the structure to create a functional bench starting at the beginning of the process. The designer speaks about the design process, stating "The technique has the potential to genuinely make a completely green, unsolidified and even CO2-negative object. We wanted to make a bench out of the technique because the public presence and use would help spread the philosophy and beauty behind working with living materials."
Tree-Intertwined Metal Benches
Studio Part Creates the Tenir Bench to Host and Guide Trees
Trend Themes
1. Living Furniture - Integration of living plants into furniture designs offers a sustainable and visually striking alternative to traditional materials.
2. Eco-intertwined Structures - Utilizing natural growth patterns of trees to form intricate and functional structures reflects a shift toward eco-centric design methodologies.
3. Co2-negative Products - Creating products that actively reduce carbon dioxide emissions through the use of living materials signifies a major advancement in environmental design.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Design - The sustainable design industry is embracing innovative solutions that merge functionality and ecological responsibility, as seen in the Tenir bench.
2. Outdoor Furniture - Outdoor furniture is evolving to include nature-integrated designs that enhance both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.
3. Urban Landscaping - Urban landscaping incorporates living materials to create green spaces that promote environmental health and community well-being.