# Forced Interaction Furniture The Bottlebench Social Garden Furniture Project Enhances Interaction By Gil Cohen | Published 2013-01-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bottlebench-social-garden-furniture References: [likecool](http://www.likecool.com/Bottlebench_social_garden_furniture--Furniture--Home.html) & [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/bottlebench-social-garden-furniture-by-maarten-pauwelyn/) Made as part of a social furniture experiment, the Bottlebench Social Garden Furniture project by artist Maarten Pauwelyn draws people together. Not only are people sharing a bench with others when using the Bottlebench, they are also made to sit facing each other in close proximity, creating an intimate atmosphere with people who would never otherwise speak to each other. In this situation, it becomes difficult to ignore each other and conversation is sparked simply due to the way the seating is arranged. The chairs recline and provide ample leg-room, allowing people to sit comfortably and feel at ease. Made completely out of recycled polyester, the Bottlebench Social Garden Furniture piece seats five and has a flower shape that is attractive to look at. It works well in public and private spaces. Photo Credits: [likecool](http://www.likecool.com/Bottlebench_social_garden_furniture--Furniture--Home.html), [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/bottlebench-social-garden-furniture-by-maarten-pauwelyn/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Forced Interaction Furniture:** Designing furniture that intentionally brings people together and sparks conversation. - **Recycled Materials:** Creating furniture pieces using recycled materials to promote sustainability. - **Intimate Seating Arrangements:** Arranging seating in a way that promotes closeness and intimate conversations. ### Who This Affects Most - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Opportunity for furniture manufacturers to create innovative pieces that encourage social interaction. - **Sustainable Design:** Innovative designers can explore using recycled materials to create unique and environmentally-friendly furniture. - **Social Spaces:** Opportunity for businesses in the hospitality and public spaces sectors to incorporate furniture that fosters social interaction and a sense of community. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Adaptive Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adp-bench.md) - [Childhood Connection-Promoting Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buddy-bench1.md) - [City-Honoring Furniture Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/symbiotic-urban-furniture-project.md) - [Bike-Friendly Outdoor Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinajarro-bench.md) - [Recycled Dynamic Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bultan-chair.md) - [Playful Outdoor Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-new-raw-1.md) - [Repurposed Brick Public Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-public-furniture.md) - [Unconventional Outdoor Furniture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-joy-furniture.md) - [Bold Motion Bench Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelbench-krllermller-edition.md)