# Public Charging Benches This Granite Seating Provides Outdoor Power Sources for Concerts By Cadhla Gray | Published 2015-10-16 | Updated 2015-10-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outdoor-power-sources References: [wired](http://www.wired.com/2015/10/the-benches-are-the-coolest-part-of-times-squares-redesign/) & [snohetta](http://www.snohetta.com/project/9-times-square-reconstruction) New York City's Times Square Reconstruction is being led by [Snøhetta](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/theodore-roosevelt-presidential), which has come up with an ingenious way of providing beautiful integrated outdoor power sources. These come out as eleven [sleek supercharged granite benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/us-her-him) that can provide power to anything from a large event or concert to a single guitarist. The 30 to 50 foot long benches will contain steel-locked power sources of 400, 200 and 20 amps -- depending on what amount of power is needed. They are directly connected to the power grid and will require a permit in order to use. In addition to providing outdoor power sources, the smooth Canadian-made benches can be used for sitting, leaning and importantly, for directing pedestrian traffic -- all in an effort to make Times Square a more attractive, alluring place for New Yorkers themselves. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, 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 - **Integrated Outdoor Power Sources:** The integration of power sources into outdoor furniture creates opportunities to provide convenient charging options in public spaces. - **Supercharged Granite Benches:** Using supercharged granite materials in the construction of benches allows for efficient power distribution while maintaining aesthetic appeal. - **Event and Concert Power Solutions:** The ability to provide large amounts of power from benches opens up opportunities for enhanced event and concert experiences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture and Design:** Architects and designers can explore new ways to integrate power sources into outdoor furniture designs. - **Event and Concert Production:** Event and concert organizers can leverage the capabilities of the benches to provide reliable power sources for their events. - **Public Space Management:** City officials and urban planners can utilize these benches to enhance the functionality and attractiveness of public spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Unwinding Multifunctional Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/better-energy-charge.md) - [Rotating Solar Powered Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eness-1.md) - [Rotating Solar-Powered Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-solarpowered-bench-that-spins-ever-so-slowly.md) - [Kinetic Musical Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/musical-bench.md) - [Hyper-Fast Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charging-station-1.md) - [Artistic Lamppost EV Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voltpost.md) - [Sculptural Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-public-seating.md) - [Solar-Powered Heated Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosun-solar-seat.md)