Foster + Partners Innovative Outdoor Seating: Gather
Foster + Partners has collaborated with Spanish street furniture brand Escofet to create Gather, an ultra-thin concrete seating solution designed to enhance and promote the active use of public spaces. The seating collection, made from Escofet’s proprietary ultra-high-performance concrete called Slimconcrete, showcases the architectural firm’s commitment to blending functionality with aesthetic elegance.
A Modular and Refined Design
Gather is a modular system that includes linear, concave, convex, and end modules. These components can be combined in various ways to form configurations ranging from enclosed pocket spaces to extensive, curving, or straight lines of seating. This flexibility allows for creative and adaptable designs in urban environments, making the seating suitable for a wide range of public spaces, from parks to pedestrian zones.
The use of Slimconcrete, a material known for its strength and durability, enabled Foster + Partners to achieve a slender and refined profile for the furniture. The concrete tapers to just 40 millimeters at the edge of its backrest and cantilevered seat, giving it a sleek and minimalistic appearance without compromising on structural integrity.
Promoting Active Public Spaces
The Gather seating collection, along with another Foster + Partners collection titled Tiers, was developed in collaboration with the architecture practice’s landscape and urban design teams. This partnership aimed to encourage the active use of public spaces by providing functional yet elegant seating options that invite people to gather, relax, and interact.
“With their understated elegance and refined profiles, Tiers and Gather provide an array of creative options for architects, urban planners, and landscape designers,” said Mike Holland, head of industrial design at Foster + Partners.
Conclusion
Foster + Partners’ Gather collection represents a significant advancement in outdoor seating design, combining ultra-thin concrete technology with modular versatility. By promoting the active use of public spaces through thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing design, Gather exemplifies the firm’s dedication to enhancing urban environments. This innovative seating solution not only provides practical benefits but also contributes to the visual and functional quality of public spaces, reflecting Foster + Partners’ holistic approach to architecture and urban design.
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