# Communal Interaction Modern public furnishings allow for more expressive consumer behavior. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Feb 3, 2014, updated Apr 9, 2014 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/communal-interaction ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Communal Interaction trend? **Communal Interaction:** With consumers becoming increasingly more concerned about privacy, techniques to encourage open and expressive consumer behavior allows for easier product integration. Communal furniture such as park benches and subway stops serves to encourage more interaction between individuals, prompting consumers to be more open to communication with others. This illustrates a growing emphasis on community integration and public expression. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 3 to Dec 7, 2013 - Published: Feb 3, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Communal Interaction trend ### Community Integration Public furnishings encourage and enable more interactive and expressive consumer behavior in public spaces. ### Combination of Modernity and Tradition Designs that merge modern techniques with traditional styles and methods to create innovative public space solutions that are aesthetically pleasing and practical. ### Inspiration from Nature Designs that draw inspiration from nature to create innovative and organic public space solutions that complement their surroundings. ## What the Communal Interaction trend means for industry ### For Architecture These trends indicate a need for architects to prioritize community interaction, cohesion, and natural integration in public space designs. ### For Urban Planning Urban planners can use these trends to create public spaces that encourage community engagement, enhance aesthetic appeal, and complement the natural surroundings. ### For Furniture Design These trends indicate a need for furniture designers to prioritize aesthetics, innovation, and practicality to create public furnishings that enable and encourage community interaction. ## Trend signals for Communal Interaction Trend score 3.3 out of 10, from popularity 36%, activity 55%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 36% - Activity: 55% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Communal Interaction trend 4 featured examples from Jul 3 to Dec 7, 2013. - [Ocean Surface Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ola-bench): The Ola Bench Was Inspired by the its Maritime Setting (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Designing and manufacturing public seating with nods to nautical, industrial, natural, or other local elements can make outdoor furniture more popular and memorable. - [Stratified Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monolit-bench): The Monolit Bench by Pawel Grobelny is Simple and Sculptural (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for landscape architects to incorporate unique and visually appealing seating designs in public spaces. - [Stretched Snaking Desks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/150m-long-study-table): The 150m Long Study Table by MAKS Encourages Student Interaction (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for designers and manufacturers to create unconventional study tables that enhance interaction and engagement among users. - [Plaited Pipe Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meetube): The Meetube is Public Seating Made From Twisted Corrugated Tubes (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for furniture designers to experiment with unconventional materials and shapes for unique seating solutions. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)