I created the Unity Bench project over the course of a semester. The project was part of a portfolio of mine with the theme of interactivity. These 8 benches are interactive because they require groups/individuals to interact to move the benches to their desired formation and are also interactive in the sense that they foster an environment for interaction. Ultimately the final ‘piece’ so to speak is the interaction people had with the benches. In other words the benches are a means to interaction and collaboration.
Below shows some of the different configurations of benches that can be formed. I brought these benches to the main quad at my high school where many would gather in the spring semester. I documented the formations of the benches at different parts of the day to show the flexibility of the product and highlight the way the benches could inform group’s use of the space.
Many groups were creative with the way they would arrange the benches. The configurations would change depending on how many people were there, if they wanted to face each other or not, if they were doing homework or relaxing, etc.
Part of the process for making these benches is shown below. The benches underwent several stages of design changes to end up where it is now. Some of these photos highlight the amount of materials cut. shape of the pieces, process for jointing some of the wood, staining process, and protection for the bottom.
While I have many sketches for the development of the unity bench project, the sketches below highlight some of them from general concept to dimensions, to first prototype.
Ultimately the Unity Bench project created a space that fostered interaction. This project was used in the spring of 2021, still a time when the world was reintegrating into a social sphere coming off of COVID isolation.
This project inspired and informed my desire to go into a public art field. I found a passion for creating experiences for people that brought them closer together and highlighted interconnectedness.