Living Inside-out: Public Park Furniture that Blurs the Line Between Indoor and Outdoor

A Clever Blend of Cozy and Public Space

The "Living Inside-out" project marks the first experiment with a holistic design approach initiated by the Hong Kong Government. It explores a new public design policy that focuses on creating open, inclusive, and people-centered public furniture. Unlike traditional benches that provide only one orientation, this new typology allows users to interact with others by offering various orientations and different seating postures, facilitating creative usage and social interaction.

The furniture is constructed using ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a durable synthetic rubber commonly used for playground flooring. This is the first case in Hong Kong where EPDM is used as the major material for constructing outdoor furniture. It offers excellent shock absorption, weather resistance, water permeation, and vivid colors that are suitable for the local climate. Additionally, 70% of the furniture is made from recycled tires and reclaimed pave stones, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The seating is made from fiberglass, designed for easy disassembly and maintenance. The LED stand lamps, also made from EPDM, are powered by solar energy.

The furniture is divided into three groups, occupying a total area of 70m2. The lower sitting height, ranging from 345mm to 385mm, caters to various users. The wide entrance allows wheelchair users to park alongside a sofa and enjoy the same view as others. The first group consists of a long sofa, single seaters, and a large coffee table, designed for up to 10 members. The second group includes a lounge and a solar lamp, ideal for a single user taking a nap. The third group is located on a synthetic recycled wood deck and includes round seating seats, a corner table, and a solar lamp. It can accommodate 4-6 users or two pairs of lovers.

The design of "Living Inside-out" encourages interaction-free experiences with higher tolerance. Users are facilitated to make free choices and interpret ways of enjoyment in public outdoor environments. The furniture's different sizes, formats, and orientations allow for face-to-face chatting, while the round shape and soft materials encourage users to sit at different levels and postures, including sitting on the ground.

The "Living Inside-out" project started in July 2011 and was completed in September 2012. It is implemented at Cornwall Street Park in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China. The design team, consisting of Denise Chan and Brian Lee, conducted quantitative and qualitative research using a user-centered design approach. Four phases of data collection, including site observation, user interviews, public engagement with full-size working prototypes testing, and user satisfaction surveys, were conducted to identify different user types and their demands for the furniture's performance.

Transforming the old park into an attractive space for waiting friends, having lunch, taking a nap, or having a party was a major challenge for the design team. The usage rate of the park in Cornwall Street Park was very low, as Hongkongers were not accustomed to staying in parks due to a lack of interaction, extreme heat in the summer, and the presence of a large, famous shopping center with full air conditioning nearby. However, the "Living Inside-out" design successfully addresses these challenges and creates an inviting and engaging public space.

The "Living Inside-out" design has received recognition for its innovative and practical approach. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Street and City Furniture Design category in 2015. This award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The "Living Inside-out" design is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, and contributing to a better world.