Waves: The Dynamic Stair Seating Revolutionizing Urban Spaces

Designed by Ayse Teke Mingu and Tulin Atamer Karaagac, Waves is a unique street furniture concept that brings the essence of nature into urban stairs.

The Waves bench is a unique design that stands out for its dynamic, organic motion. Made of multiple wooden parallel slats, each individually hinged, the bench creates a ripple effect when sat upon. This slow-motion liquid ripple, reminiscent of waves, travels along the bench, creating a visually captivating experience. The bench is modular, with each module movable, allowing for a range of configurations and sizes. This flexibility, coupled with the bench's unique wave motion, sets it apart from conventional street furniture.

Waves is not just a visually striking design, but also a technically advanced one. The bench is made of retified, thermally treated wood, enabling it to withstand outdoor weather conditions. The slats are linked together by adjustable assembly fixings, offering a wide range of configuration options. Wheels are attached to the axels, allowing the bench to move and disconnect from the ground, thus protecting users from cold and dirt.

The design process for Waves was a holistic one, with the designers seeking to understand the concept of a stairs furniture as a comprehensive design problem. The project, which started in November 2015 in Istanbul for Zorlu Performing Arts Center, was digitally modeled using 3D modeling programs. The designers faced the challenge of ensuring each individual module could move on the stairs without falling down, a feat they successfully accomplished.

Waves is more than just a bench; it's a piece of urban art that interacts with its surroundings. The wavy outline of the bench integrates seamlessly with the outline of the stairs, becoming a part of it. The bench is designed to be used by everyone and is intended to be a meeting and resting spot for all. With its fluid design and dynamic motion, Waves is a unique piece of street furniture that not only serves a functional purpose but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces.

Waves has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Golden A' Street and City Furniture Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. Waves is indeed a testament to the creativity and technical prowess of its designers, Ayse Teke Mingu and Tulin Atamer Karaagac, and a shining example of how design can transform urban spaces.