The Tree Bench is not a typical outdoor public seat. Instead of traditional leg supports or even nails and screws, this particular design interacts with its surroundings in a surprisingly simply way. The Tree Bench boasts two sturdy stainless steel straps that wrap around the trunk of a tree.
Designed by Rogier Martens for the Dutch studio Aandeboom, the Tree Bench is predominantly made out of waterproof laminated beechwood. The design was inspired by a mushroom. Martens explains, "[The] mushroom is suddenly there and when the weather and temperature conditions change, [it] disappears." The Tree Bench functions similarly. The adjustable and removable straps allow it to be placed wherever the park officials want it to be placed while surprising and delighting visitors in the process.
Trunk-Strapped Seating
The Tree Bench Interacts With its Surroundings
Trend Themes
1. Tree-integrated Design - Designing products or structures that interact with and utilize natural elements, such as tree trunks, in innovative ways.
2. Sustainable Outdoor Furniture - Creating outdoor seating options that are eco-friendly, durable, and blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
3. Adaptive Bench Solutions - Developing flexible seating solutions that can be easily adjusted and relocated according to the needs and preferences of users and park officials.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - The furniture industry can explore new approaches to integrate natural elements and create sustainable outdoor seating options.
2. Outdoor Recreation - The outdoor recreation industry can benefit from adaptive bench solutions to enhance the visitor experience and offer versatile seating options in parks and other outdoor spaces.
3. Architecture and Landscape Design - The architecture and landscape design industries can embrace tree-integrated designs to create unique and visually appealing outdoor spaces that harmonize with nature.