Urban Shapes: Inspired by Growing Cities

The new norstudio bench is inspired by the organic tensions resulting from the challenges and contrasts of daily life in the urban jungle. A combination of shapes and colors found in the natural environment of a bustling metropolis, Urban Shapes makes sense of the city's myriad inputs to bring the user out of that chaos, and into a space of orderly harmony, where to rest and recollect one’s thoughts and energies.

Urban Shapes by nortstudio

Finding harmony among an enormous variety is a daily challenge of life in the city. But a city in growth is also a non-stop source of inspiration. Rough forms and materials scattered around on various construction sites wait to be used and to obtain a specific function. By taking these materials and forms out of their context and combining them in a completely different way, a special tension is created.

Inspired by these urban shapes nortstudio designed an inviting bench. The design is made up of three shapes derived from primary forms, linked together by a grid. Using the grid as a connector, different configurations can emerge by combining the elements of this modular design.

Urban Shapes by nortstudio

Because of the importance of visual uniformity, the grid is made of identical bearing bars and crossbars in both directions. The geometric lines and shapes obtained by the grid become graphic elements with a strong aesthetic value. The grid fits perfectly in the grooves on the top of the elements whereby a smooth surface that improves comfort is obtained.

Urban Shapes by nortstudio

By creating a defiant bench, norstudio sees its design as an enrichment of public spaces such as museums and parks, though the bench is also suitable for private use. By creating a defiant bench, norstudio sees its design as an enrichment of public spaces such as museums and parks, though the bench is also suitable for private use.

Edited by Emeiju Selina.