Petalis Lounge: Redefining Urban Spaces with Concrete

An Innovative Urban Lounge Designed by Helen Brasinika

The Petalis Lounge, designed by Helen Brasinika, is a one-of-a-kind installation that establishes a permanent and interactive presence in urban spaces. Its design concept aims to create new channels of interaction and communication among users, bringing a sense of home and utility to the bustling cityscape.

The lounge is made from reinforced cast concrete, utilizing low-density polystyrene molds. The final surface is achieved through advanced methods of acid etching, resulting in a smooth finish. The concrete is colored before casting, allowing for a range of color options that can enrich the urban environment.

Measuring 456x456x44 with a seat height of 100, the Petalis Lounge combines comfort and functionality. It features a cozy seating area, inviting users to relax and unwind. Within arm's reach, a wine cooler option is accommodated, adding a touch of luxury to the urban experience.

Research conducted in parametric design software and complex free-flowing forms found in nature influenced the development of the Petalis Lounge. The design team, led by Helen Brasinika, explored the boundaries of concrete while keeping in tune with the needs of contemporary design. The lounge's innovative aesthetics and structural material outside its common context contribute to the evolution of urban spaces.

The Petalis Lounge was created between September 2013 and December 2014. Throughout the design process, the team overcame creative, technical, and research challenges to bring this unique concept to life. By pushing the limits of concrete and embracing emergent technologies in design and production, they have successfully created a lounge that combines functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

The Petalis Lounge, with its flower petal-inspired design, brings a fresh and living touch to the rigidity of concrete. It encourages users to interact in a more intimate style, fostering communicative urban typologies. The lounge's unique properties and its ability to transform urban spaces make it a standout piece of street furniture.

The Petalis Lounge, designed by Helen Brasinika, has been recognized for its outstanding creativity and ingenuity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Street and City Furniture Design category in 2015. This prestigious award honors designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.