Chapters: An Innovative Design Redefining the Park Seating Experience in London

“Chapters”: Quiet Reading in the Heart of Public Spaces

Designer Mirto Alexandra Andrianopoulou developed the Chapters project during her studies at the Royal College of Art, drawing inspiration from the serene sight of book readers in parks.

The design emerged from a desire to enhance individual moments within green spaces, while preserving the character of the place. Instead of replacing the traditional double benches scattered across London, it adds a new dimension to the park-seating experience.

The Concept Behind the Design

Chapters focuses on rethinking how people use public parks.
The aim is not only to provide seating areas, but also to create spaces for contemplation, reading, and relaxation, turning each visit into a rich, personal experience, whether in moments of peaceful solitude or simple social interaction.

Collection Components

The collection consists of four main pieces, each serving a different purpose:

• Rest: Offers a comfortable reclining position for rest or extended reading.
• Pause: Designed for brief stops or quick seating.
• Tilt: Allows angled seating, ideal for reflection or conversation.
• Nest: Creates a sense of enclosure and privacy within the heart of a public space.

Flexibility of Use

Each piece is designed to support various sitting, reclining, or standing positions, giving users the freedom to interact with it in their own way.
The modular design also allows units to be combined to create social spaces, or left as standalone pieces for a more private experience.

London’s Traditional Benches: A Cultural Heritage in Need of Renewal

The traditional benches found in London’s parks are an integral part of the city’s visual and cultural identity. They are more than just places to sit; they stand as witnesses to a long history of social life within green spaces.

The Limitations of a Uniform Design

Despite the charm and appeal of these classic benches, their standardized design often falls short of meeting the diverse ways modern visitors use parks. Today, people’s expectations of public spaces are evolving in line with their daily needs.

The Role of Chapters in Enhancing the Experience

The vision behind the Chapters project was never to compete with this heritage, but rather to complement it, introducing new forms that allow flexibility in use and encourage varied experiences, whether in moments of solitude and reflection or in social interactions.

Balancing Privacy and Community

Through its design, the project celebrates the diversity of daily life in London’s parks, responding to the growing need for spaces that support both individual seclusion and community engagement at the same time.

Color as an Integral Element of Design

One of the most distinctive features of the Chapters collection is its unified olive-green color, a calm shade carefully chosen to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

This color choice allows the furniture to merge with its environment rather than distract from the beauty of the park, enhancing a sense of visual harmony.

Materials Used: Durability and Aesthetics

The design incorporates powder-coated mild steel and iroko wood, materials that combine practical durability with a pleasant tactile feel.

• Powder-coated steel ensures high resistance to weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use.
• Iroko wood adds a warm, natural texture that offers comfortable seating and softens the coolness of the metal.

Balancing Functionality and Sensory Appeal

The advantages of these materials go beyond longevity and resistance to wear; they also provide a pleasing tactile experience, making the furniture both a functional and aesthetic element.

Names and Functions of the Pieces

The names of the four pieces, Rest, Pause, Tilt, and Nest, reflect the variety of ways the designer aimed to encourage the use of public spaces.
Each name hints at a specific experience, whether it’s complete relaxation, a brief stop, angled seating for reflection, or a warm sense of enclosure for connection.

Multiple Usage Experiences

• Rest: For comfortable reclining and extended reading.
• Pause: For short breaks or quick seating.
• Tilt: An angled position that balances comfort and attentiveness.
• Nest: A semi-enclosed space that enhances feelings of privacy and warmth.

In Tune with the Mood

Thanks to their flexible forms, the collection gives each person the freedom to choose what suits their mood in the moment, whether it’s a desire for calm solitude or for social interaction with others.

Between Function and Conceptual Vision

Chapters is both a collection of park seats and an invitation to rethink how we engage with public spaces.
It goes beyond simply providing places to sit, seeking instead to create environments that can embrace quiet, personal moments alongside shared social experiences.

Reading as the Design’s Inspiration

The project draws its spirit from the simple, enduring act of reading in the park, transforming it into a starting point for designs that blend comfort with beauty.

In doing so, Chapters adds a new layer of care and creativity to London’s outdoor spaces, preserving their public character while renewing the way they are experienced.

The Chapters project offers an innovative vision that adds a new dimension to the experience of sitting in public spaces by combining practical functionality with aesthetic value, while maintaining a clear focus on flexibility of use and respect for the visual environment of parks. The choice of colors and materials reflects a deep awareness of how design can harmonize with nature, giving the furniture a distinctive identity without overpowering the overall scene.

However, the project may face certain real-world challenges, particularly regarding execution costs and the long-term maintenance of materials in changing outdoor conditions. Additionally, the unconventional form of the units may not align with the preferences of all park visitors, especially those accustomed to the classic character of traditional benches.

Therefore, the success of Chapters depends on its ability to balance innovation with the preservation of familiar elements, while ensuring sustainable use and ease of maintenance.

Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team

Don’t miss the chance to explore more from Architecture in fields like Design and Projects on the ArchUp website.