# Encouraged Dialogue Public furniture designs invite pedestrian interaction. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Oct 10, 2011 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/encouraged-dialogue ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Encouraged Dialogue trend? **Encouraged Dialogue:** Busy schedules and modern-day distractions like iPods and phones may be impacting social interaction more than we think. In urban areas, especially, people have developed an invisibile “shell,” in which privacy and keeping to oneself is the norm and often preferred. Some new public designs, however, aim to counteract this lack of interaction. These public outdoor furnishings encourage social interaction and invite strangers to become acquainted more easily, aiming to alleviate the aloof attitudes typical of urban environments. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 10 to Aug 20, 2011 - Published: Oct 10, 2011 - 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 Encouraged Dialogue trend ### Interactive Public Furniture Public furniture is being redesigned to promote social interaction and encourage strangers to become acquainted more easily. This disruption is an opportunity for designers to create more engaging and functional public spaces. ### Natural and Aesthetic Seating Seating is being designed with built-in planters and using organic wooden materials to add to its surroundings' natural aesthetic, creating not only functional seating but also a cohesive atmosphere of beauty and nature. ### Spontaneous Public Meeting Spaces New and unique art installations like Meeting Bowls are being created to foster intimate dialogues and interactions between individuals, bringing together communities through spontaneous and creative public spaces. ## What the Encouraged Dialogue trend means for industry ### For Urban Design and Development Business professionals in urban design and development should be aware of how public furniture can affect a community's social interaction and provide opportunities for creating more engaging and functional public spaces. ### For Outdoor Recreation and Leisure The use of natural and organic materials in public seating offers an opportunity for businesses in outdoor recreation and leisure to provide functional and aesthetic seating in public spaces as well as highlight the natural beauty of the surrounding area. ### For Public Art and Installations Incorporating spontaneous and unique public meeting spaces can benefit those in the public art and installations industry, offering an opportunity to foster intimate discussions and interactions between individuals and bring together communities through creative spaces. ## Trend signals for Encouraged Dialogue Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 39%, activity 61%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 39% - Activity: 61% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Encouraged Dialogue trend 5 featured examples from Feb 10 to Aug 20, 2011. - [Intimate Furniture Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meeting-bowls): Meeting Bowls Encourage Spontaneous Dialogue Among New Yorkers (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The design industry can explore new ways to create intimate furniture installations that balance privacy and openness in urban settings. - [Bright Undulating Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamscape-by-faulders-studio): BAMscape by Faulders Studio Fosters Social Interaction in a Museum (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Art and design industries can explore collaborations with architects and furniture designers to create innovative public seating areas that merge functionality with artistic expre… - [Ascending Planter Perches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/talita-exterior-bench): Talita Exterior Bench Welcomes Interaction with Walkers (Category: Eco) Implication: The furniture and design industry can explore the concept of integrating seating and planters to create innovative outdoor furniture solutions. - [Crumbled Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fusillo-bench): The Fusillo Bench by Marco Goffi Encourages Social Interactions (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Innovations in public seating design could inspire new and unique furniture pieces for both public and private spaces. - [Public Waiting Rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bus-stop-coffee-table): The Julie Kim LA Bus Stop Coffee Table Experiment (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Urban designers can explore ways to enhance public spaces with furniture and decor, creating more engaging and enjoyable environments for commuters. ## 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)