Nejla El Zein Designs the Us, Her, Him Limestone Benches
Amy Duong — November 13, 2024 — Art & Design
References: najlaelzein & dezeen
Lebanese designer Najla El Zein has created the Us, Her, Him benches, which are defined by their elongated structure and limestone build. The benches are at the Flag Plaza in Doha, Qatar and boast a sculptural form designed to reflect the complexity and intricacies of human connection. The design aims to shine light on the importance of connection and it is made from 313 meters of hand-sculpted limestone.
El Zein speaks about the design process to Dezeen, noting "The vision behind Us, Her, Him was to capture the nuanced experience of being in a public space, where people meet, cross paths, and form connections. The installation was conceived not only as a stand-alone artistic expression but also as an integral part of the landscape, drawing visitors into the cultural district. It is not just an aesthetic piece; it also creates inviting spaces for people to sit, gather, and interact."
Image Credit: Iwan Baan, Damien Arlettaz and Simon Youssef
El Zein speaks about the design process to Dezeen, noting "The vision behind Us, Her, Him was to capture the nuanced experience of being in a public space, where people meet, cross paths, and form connections. The installation was conceived not only as a stand-alone artistic expression but also as an integral part of the landscape, drawing visitors into the cultural district. It is not just an aesthetic piece; it also creates inviting spaces for people to sit, gather, and interact."
Image Credit: Iwan Baan, Damien Arlettaz and Simon Youssef
Trend Themes
1. Sculptural Urban Furniture - The Us, Her, Him benches redefine traditional public seating by incorporating sculptural elements that emphasize human connection, offering a blend of functionality and artistry.
2. Hand-sculpted Materials - Limestone and other hand-sculpted materials are seeing a resurgence in urban designs, highlighting the value of artisanal craftsmanship in contemporary public installations.
3. Cultural District Integrations - Integrating public art installations into cultural districts strengthens community engagement and enhances the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Urban Design - Bridging art and functionality in public infrastructure opens new avenues for creating inviting and aesthetically pleasing urban environments.
2. Artisanal Craftsmanship - The growing appreciation for hand-crafted materials like limestone offers opportunities for traditional artisans to merge their skills with modern design needs.
3. Public Art Installations - Public art installations like the Us, Her, Him benches draw visitors and foster social interaction, significantly contributing to the vibrancy of cultural districts.
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