Marching Ants: A Redefinition of Urban Benches

George Drakakis' Award-Winning Design Transforms Public Spaces

Marching Ants is a three-dimensional exploration of continuity, inspired by curved solid objects and one-sided surfaces. The design is a testament to Drakakis' creativity and his ability to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary pieces of art. The urban bench is not just a place to rest, but also a landmark, a space divider, and an art installation.

The strength of this design lies in its simplicity. Using only one basic element, Drakakis has created complex setups that are easy to install and do not disrupt the existing infrastructure of the city. The "just drop & forget" installation method ensures a trouble-free and fast installation along with minimum installation cost.

Marching Ants is made of reinforced cast stone, using a specific mold made of polyester reinforced with glass fiber and a metallic chassis. The finished surface is softly acid etched treated and waterproofed, ensuring durability and longevity. The design is a perfect blend of form and function, offering a comfortable seating experience while serving as a sculptural space divider.

Drakakis' design is a study on complex continuous forms achieved through the repetition of modular elements. Despite the complexity of the design, the outcome is an object with two spatial configurations that's fast and easy to install. The design has the ability to change its overall form over time by re-arranging the basic unit element in combinations of duets or quartets, named "Marching Ants" and "Relaxing Ants" respectively.

The Marching Ants project started in June 2010 and was completed in November of the same year. It has since been recognized for its innovative approach to urban design, winning the Golden A' Street and City Furniture Design Award in 2015. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, George Drakakis' Marching Ants is a testament to the power of design in transforming public spaces. It challenges the common perception of an urban bench and introduces a new way of looking at public seating. Its unique design, easy installation, and ability to serve multiple functions make it a worthy winner of the Golden A' Street and City Furniture Design Award.