SITy: A New Perspective on Concrete Seating

Bulent Unal's Innovative Bench Design Wins Silver A' Design Award

Designed for outdoor use, the SITy bench is a blend of form and function. It comprises a body, three seating units, and a 3D map, all made of concrete. The seating units and the 3D map are white, contrasting with the traditional concrete colour of the rest of the bench. The map, which shows the bench's location, invites users to interact with it, creating a dynamic piece of furniture that evolves over time.

The bench's unique properties lie in its innovative use of concrete. Traditionally used in simple geometric forms, Unal's design brings a fresh perspective to concrete seating units. By using colour, form, and texture differences, he brings creativity to the forefront of his design. The bench is designed to seat three people, with dimensions of 210cm in length, 60cm in width, and 45cm in height.

The production process of the SITy bench involves concrete moulding and colouring. The 3D map is produced using silicon moulds, with public spaces drawn in grids and visualized in 3D. Once the map of the region where the bench will be placed is modelled in 3D, the mould is formed, and the piece is produced and placed on the bench.

The SITy bench project began in Ankara in February 2017 and was completed in January 2018. During this time, Unal conducted research into concrete moulding methods, concrete colouring, and CNC applications. The result is a bench that not only serves as a functional piece of furniture but also as a canvas for users to leave their mark, creating a living piece of art.

Unal's SITy bench is a testament to the potential of concrete as a medium for creative expression. By reimagining the use of traditional concrete in colour, form, and texture, he has created a design that is both innovative and engaging. The bench's 3D map, which changes with user interaction, further enhances its uniqueness, making it a deserving winner of the Silver A' Street and City Furniture Design Award.