Heer: Revolutionizing Public Spaces for Breastfeeding Mothers

52hours Designs World's First Ergonomic Breastfeeding Bench

The idea for Heer was born out of an incident where a mother was shamed for breastfeeding in public. The team at 52hours recognized the need for a design solution that would make public spaces more accessible and comfortable for breastfeeding mothers. They noted that despite the increasing acceptance of public breastfeeding, many mothers still feel uneasy due to various cultural, psychological, or other reasons. Furthermore, existing breastfeeding spaces are often poorly designed, isolated, and uncomfortable, reinforcing the exclusion of mothers.

Heer is the world’s first ergonomically designed bench that enables mothers to comfortably breastfeed in public spaces. The bench rotates, allowing mothers to choose a position that suits them best. It also gently rocks, providing a calming effect for both mother and baby. The bench includes shields for privacy and to protect babies from distractions. This innovative design aims to make entire cities friendlier and more accessible to moms and babies.

Committed to sustainability, the production of Heer will be based on environment-friendly, recyclable materials. The current functional prototype is made of composite materials: polyester resin/glass. The bench measures 4095 cm in length, 577 cm in depth, and 1135 cm in height.

Heer was designed and tested through several iterations. It includes an adjacent bench that provides seating for those accompanying the mother, such as another child or passersby. The bench is shaped to adjust to various spaces and angles and allows for quick installation. It took four years to develop Heer, starting in Prague in 2015 and finishing with a functional prototype in Zagreb in 2018. The bench was exhibited at the 100% Design fair in London in September 2018.

The design of Heer was based on three cycles of qualitative research involving 20 mothers. The research revealed a consistent need for a comfortable place to nurse that doesn’t isolate mothers. Despite some criticism from feminists who argue that creating designated spaces for breastfeeding reinforces stigma, the team at 52hours maintains that their goal is to offer a choice to mothers who currently feel they don’t have one.

Heer is more than just a bench. It's a small oasis of peace for moms and babies, a space they can rest and, if they wish, isolate themselves from the hectic urban surroundings. It's perfectly suited for airports, shopping centers, parks, and public institutions. In essence, it fits wherever moms go because babies could be hungry anywhere. This innovative design was awarded the Golden A' Street and City Furniture Design Award in 2019, a testament to its revolutionary approach to public breastfeeding.