Flexion: A Sculptural Innovation in Bench Design

Designers Bulent Unal and Elif Gunes redefine urban seating with their award-winning bench design, Flexion.

Flexion, a unique bench design by Bulent Unal and Elif Gunes, aims to revolutionize the way people perceive and interact with urban seating. Inspired by the hustle and bustle of city life, Flexion offers a sculptural, innovative touch to the traditional bench, reflecting the identity of a concrete-filled city and its inhabitants.

The design of Flexion stands out from other bench designs due to its unique properties. Rather than being a mere resting spot, Flexion is designed to reflect the city's identity and the lives of its inhabitants. The bench is designed to be a mirror of the city, reflecting the constant movement and energy of urban life.

Flexion is constructed using a metal structure for the bottom and top surfaces, which are then covered with Corian material. Corian, known for its durability and stylish appeal, provides a hygienic and personalized touch to the environment. The surfaces covered with Corian are painted in a color that mirrors its surroundings, further enhancing its reflective nature.

The bench is designed to accommodate at least two people, with dimensions of 300 cm in length, 90 cm in depth, and 45 cm in height. The length is also designed to maintain social distancing norms. The design can be produced in different materials, textures, and colors, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any urban environment.

The design process for Flexion began in November 2019 and was completed in January 2020. The designers faced the challenge of creating a sculptural seating element that not only reflects the city's concrete texture but also adds a touch of excitement to the urban landscape. The design aims to highlight the different lives shared in the same space, reflecting the constant rush of city life.

Flexion has received recognition for its innovative design, winning the Silver A' Street and City Furniture Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and inducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

In conclusion, Flexion is not just a bench, but a reflection of the city and its inhabitants. It adds a sculptural, innovative touch to urban seating, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. With its unique design and reflective properties, Flexion is set to redefine the way people perceive and interact with urban seating.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Elif Günes
Image Credits: Bulent Unal
Project Team Members: Bülent Ünal Elif Güneş
Project Name: Flexion
Project Client: Elif Günes


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