Kavics: A Concrete Bench Defying Contradictions

VPI Concrete Design and Manufacture's Innovative Approach to Street Furniture

The design inspiration for Kavics was to create an organic outdoor concrete object. The designers sought to convey positive emotional meanings through the distinctive smooth spans and oval forms of organic shapes. The creation of these shapes, apart from their special aesthetic role, means handling form and function as one unit. The result is a novel object that shows softness in its appearance and breaks with the traditional robustness of concrete.

The uniqueness of Kavics lies in its contradictions. Despite being made of concrete, it appears light and delicate. It looks natural yet deeply urban. It appears to be a piece of art yet its shape can easily be the part of everyday life. The contradictions stem from its creation, which was a traditional, yet extremely modern process.

Kavics is a massive, concrete product cast from a mould, which was manufactured through 30 different sculptural shape studies, followed by a 3D scanning and CNC cutting process. It is the result of a long-term cooperation between sculptors, designers and concrete professionals. The bench was manufactured from a self-developed concrete mixture, balancing digital technology and traditional craftsmanship.

The design of Kavics started in November 2016 in Budapest and it was first installed in the same city in March 2017. New concrete mixtures were developed for this project, allowing the creation of formerly unimaginable concrete structures like Kavics. The challenge was to create an organic, seemingly soft and airy object out of concrete, a challenge that was overcome through innovative design and technological research.

Kavics has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Golden A' Street and City Furniture Design Award in 2019. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

The Kavics bench is a testament to the innovative potential of concrete design. It challenges traditional perceptions of concrete as a material and redefines what is possible in the realm of street furniture. Its unique blend of organic aesthetics and urban functionality make it a standout piece in any setting.