The Serengeti: A Bench Seat Design by David Tate

Combining Practicality and Style

The Serengeti stands apart from other bench seat designs with its incorporation of table areas on both sides. This feature allows users to have a designated space for their belongings, such as laptops, briefcases, or portfolios, without the need for additional tables or the inconvenience of placing items on the floor or seat next to them. The bench seat's accentuated length creates a greater sense of space, while minimalistic seat detailing breaks up the overall length and separates seating spaces.

Made in Australia, the Serengeti is crafted with environmentally sourced local Jarrah wood for its main structure, providing a warm and natural aesthetic. The seat is upholstered with black leather hide, adding a touch of luxury and comfort. The internal steel frame ensures durability and stability, while the powder-coated steel legs can be easily removed for efficient packaging and transportation.

With dimensions of 600mm in width, 2270mm in length, and 450mm in height, the Serengeti can comfortably seat three people at one time. It is designed for high-traffic public spaces, catering to the temporary active user. The bench seat can be accessed from both sides, allowing for easy interaction and convenience.

The Serengeti project began in early 2016 and was completed in December of the same year in Perth, Western Australia. Throughout the design process, David Tate conducted extensive research to understand the modern worker's active lifestyle and daily activities. The goal was to enhance efficiency and effectiveness by providing a practical solution for seating areas. The Serengeti's table areas adjacent to the seat not only fulfill this purpose but also complement the user's experience, needs, and space.

The Serengeti faced challenges during its development, particularly in finding a leg design that combined aesthetics with strength. Wooden prototypes were initially explored but were deemed unsatisfactory. The current leg design, with its alternating pattern, not only provides visual interest but also supports itself through the forces working against each other, ensuring robustness and stability.

Overall, the Serengeti exemplifies modern styling with its clean lines and the natural warmth of wood. It is a statement furniture piece suitable for the commercial market, particularly for high-use temporary audiences. The Serengeti received the Bronze A' Design Award in 2017, recognizing its outstanding design and creative ingenuity.