# Peculiar Public Seating (UPDATE) These Park Benches by Jeppe Hein Encourage Interactions By Andrew Robertson | Published 2012-05-03 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeppe-hein References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2012/05/02/jeppe-heins-altered-park-bench-sculptures/) & [jeppehein.net](http://www.jeppehein.net/pages/) These progressive park bench designs by Jeppe Hein take public seating to a whole new level. This collection of [sculpture/seating hybrids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-bench) is part of the artist's 'Modified Social Benches' series, a set of park benches that have been remodeled and reintegrated into urban areas to [foster communication and interaction](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buddy-bench1). In remodeling public seating, Jeppe Hein is simultaneously infusing the environment with [contemporary architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-furniture1) while impacting the social and behavioral space surrounding that area. Many of these designs encourage individuals -- be them strangers or friends -- to engage with one another rather than pretend as if the other person doesn't exist. A personal favorite of mine is the park bench that has removed the middle seat, beautifully articulating the general lack of acknowledgment that people give to those sitting right next to them. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/furniture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Progressive Park Benches:** Designing park benches to go beyond traditional seating and foster communication and interaction. - **Remodeled Public Seating:** Revamping park benches to create contemporary architectural pieces that impact social and behavioral spaces. - **Encouraging Interactions:** Creating park benches that prompt individuals to engage with each other and break the barrier of isolation. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Urban Design and Architecture:** Opportunity for architects and designers to explore innovative ways of incorporating interactive seating into urban landscapes. - **Public Spaces and Parks:** Potential for parks and public spaces to enhance social connections and community engagement through creatively designed bench structures. - **Art Installations and Sculptures:** Artists can explore the intersection of art and functionality by remodeling public seating to serve as sculptures and conversation starters. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Adaptive Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adp-bench.md) - [Playful Public Seating Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-public-seating.md) - [Interaction-Promoting Public Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bench-seating.md) - [Dual Sculpture Seating Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immaterial-0001.md) - [Muscle Loss-Combating Playground Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playground-bench.md) - [Artfully Crafted Public Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/us-her-him.md) - [Dual-Seated Plate Aluminum Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/move-a-little-bit-further.md) - [Modular Outdoor Space Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mass-public-bench.md) - [Bold Motion Bench Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelbench-krllermller-edition.md)