Public furniture reimagined: how steam-bent wooden benches shape urban spaces
Public spaces are more than just traffic areas. They are meeting places, leisure spaces and a city’s calling card. Consequently, the demands placed on so-called public furniture today are high: it must be functional, durable and, at the same time, help to define a city’s identity.
One material is experiencing a remarkable renaissance: wood, particularly in the form of steam-bent circular benches.
Naturalness in an urban context
In public spaces, wooden benches bridge two worlds: the built environment and natural materiality. Especially in heavily urbanised areas, they create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Steam-bent wooden benches offer a decisive advantage: they adapt seamlessly to architecture and landscape – whether in the form of a circle, an arch or an organic freeform. This creates seating landscapes that are not only functional but actively contribute to the design.
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Freedom of form as a design opportunity
The strength of bentwood lies in its malleability. Through steam bending, solid wooden strips can be shaped into almost any desired geometry without interruption. For planners and landscape architects, this means:
- maximum freedom in terms of radii and shapes
- tailored adaptation to locations and user flows
- seamless integration into complex spatial concepts
Systems such as the HARMONICA free-form bench demonstrate how parametric design and craftsmanship can intertwine – to create truly sculptural seating landscapes.
Reference projects: Public furniture in practice
Numerous completed projects in public spaces demonstrate just how much well-designed street furniture influences the quality of a place:
Schaffhausen railway station – enhancement through quality of stay
As part of the redesign of Bahnhofstrasse in Schaffhausen, generous circular benches made of steam-bent ash were installed. The benches:
- were individually designed and assembled on site
- adapt precisely to the local conditions
- specifically invite passers-by to linger
That way, a transit space is transformed into a place to linger – a central aim of modern urban planning.
More impressions from Schaffhausen railway station
The Circle at Zurich Airport – design meets frequency
At The Circle at Zurich Airport, international architecture, high footfall and sophisticated design come together. Here, the circular benches demonstrate that public furniture:
- can be durable even under heavy use
- integrates harmoniously into high-quality architecture
- offers both comfort and wayfinding
The organic forms echo the architecture of the area and subtly structure the space.
More images of The Circle project
Central Zurich tram stop – functionality in everyday life
The Central Zurich tram stop is one of the city’s busiest transport hubs. Here, seating must do one thing above all else: work. The circular wooden benches used here do exactly that – and go even further:
- robust construction for daily use
- ergonomic seat shapes for maximum comfort
- pleasant to the touch even in changing temperatures
This makes even a hectic place feel a little more human.
See more impressions of Central in Zurich
Paradeplatz Zurich – design with identity
Paradeplatz epitomises urban density and economic significance like few other places. It is in this exact spot, in particular, that the strength of high-quality public furniture becomes apparent: the circular benches installed here create islands of tranquillity – right in the heart of the bustling city.
Thanks to their clean lines and natural materials:
- they blend seamlessly into the high-quality surroundings
- whilst creating a deliberate contrast to stone and glass
- they significantly enhance the quality of the public space
Discover the circular benches at Paradeplatz in Zurich
Sustainability as standard, not as an add-on
Sustainability is a key aspect of modern street furniture. Steam-bent wooden benches meet this requirement in several ways:
- Use of local wood species such as oak, larch or ash
- Durable construction without the need for complex chemical treatments
- Natural ageing through patina rather than material wear
This makes them a sensible long-term investment for cities and local authorities.
Public furniture as part of a city’s identity
Public furniture is no longer a minor issue. It shapes the way we experience, use and remember cities. Steam-bent wooden benches are a prime example of how design, function and sustainability can be combined. They create places to linger, structure spaces and lend urban landscapes a human dimension.
Particularly in the context of high-quality urban and open-space design, the following applies: good design does not end with the building. It often begins precisely where people take a seat.
Discover our circular benches for street furniture, parks, bus stops and more
